Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Founded in 1944, it has grown to encompass 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The WBG's mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, focusing on improving living standards and fighting poverty in over 100 developing economies. The organization collaborates with various partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, to formulate assistance strategies and deliver impactful programs. The WBG is committed to transparency, openness, and the effective use of data and technology to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Counsel position at the World Bank Group is a critical role within the Legal Vice Presidency (LEG), specifically in the Institutional Affairs Practice Group (LEGIA). The selected candidate will provide legal advice and support on a wide range of operational, advisory, financial, administrative, and institutional matters. This role requires a lawyer who can operate independently while also collaborating with other legal professionals within the organization. The Counsel will be responsible for managing legal and policy issues related to the Bank's work, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. The position demands strong analytical skills, the ability to work harmoniously in a team, and sound judgment in legal matters. The Counsel will engage in various legal activities, including drafting and negotiating legal agreements, providing advice on human resource matters, and managing litigation and arbitration cases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing legal agreements; preparing pleadings and submissions for the Bank's Administrative Tribunal; advising on human resource issues; conducting investigations related to fraud and misconduct; managing corporate procurement contracts; overseeing national court litigation and commercial arbitration; advising on data privacy and intellectual property issues; providing risk-based legal advice across a broad portfolio of countries; participating in policy discussions and negotiations; writing and reviewing policy papers; conducting legal research; and performing ad hoc assignments as requested by the Deputy General Counsel or designated Lead/Senior Counsel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an LLM degree, J.D., or equivalent legal qualification, along with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Admission to the Bar (or equivalent) in at least one jurisdiction is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong legal reasoning, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently with limited supervision. Experience in adversarial proceedings and managing external litigation is highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit professional maturity, effective communication skills, and the ability to collaborate within teams and across organizational boundaries.

Educational Background:
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles, with a focus on areas relevant to law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, corporate law, and public policy. Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks and practices applicable to the World Bank's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant legal experience, ideally in an international context. Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex legal issues, engaging in negotiations, and providing sound legal advice in a corporate or governmental setting. Experience in litigation, arbitration, and corporate governance will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in other languages such as Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, French, or Spanish is preferred and will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and clients.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of four years. The recruitment is open to international candidates, reflecting the World Bank's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The World Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.