Principal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a leading international financial institution established to support the development of market economies in Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. Founded in 1991, EBRD has grown to operate in over 30 countries, deploying more than €15 billion in financing annually. The organization focuses on promoting sustainable development, climate finance, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure projects, and local manufacturers. EBRD is committed to fostering inclusive and open market economies, and it is currently expanding its activities into six countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Job Overview:
The Principal Counsel position is situated within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at EBRD, which plays a crucial role in the bank's mission to build sustainable economies. The OGC is responsible for all legal aspects of EBRD's lending and investment transactions, providing legal advice on institutional matters, and supporting policy development through its legal transition program. The role involves significant responsibility for managing EBRD's lending and equity transactions, which includes structuring transactions, selecting and managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and assisting throughout the project lifecycle. The position is based in London, but preliminary interviews will be conducted in Tokyo, highlighting the international nature of the role and the bank's commitment to engaging with diverse talent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal Counsel will have principal responsibility for a variety of EBRD's lending and equity transactions, which encompass both secured and unsecured lending operations as well as private and public equity investments. Key responsibilities include structuring complex transactions, selecting and managing external legal counsel, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and ensuring compliance with EBRD's environmental and policy requirements. The role also involves contributing to the knowledge management activities within OGC and supporting EBRD's policy mandate in its lending and equity operations. The Principal Counsel will work closely with various stakeholders, including financial, political, and public sector experts, to ensure that EBRD's operations align with its mission and values.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Principal Counsel position are expected to possess a law degree from a leading university in their home country. They should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in an international law firm, the in-house legal department of a top commercial or investment bank, or an international organization such as EBRD. Candidates must demonstrate professional experience in English law governed financing agreements, particularly in areas such as cross-border banking transactions, structured finance, private equity investments, and capital markets transactions. Experience in EBRD's countries of operations is considered an asset, and candidates should exhibit strong legal acumen and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Principal Counsel position includes a law degree from a reputable university. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international finance law and the legal frameworks governing EBRD's operations. Candidates should have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to legal excellence, which will be critical in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of professional experience in relevant legal fields. This experience should be gained in reputable international law firms, in-house legal departments of leading banks, or international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of handling complex legal transactions and providing sound legal advice in high-stakes environments. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse setting is also essential, given EBRD's international focus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Principal Counsel position, as the role involves drafting and negotiating legal documents in English law. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken in EBRD's countries of operations, would be considered advantageous and could enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The Principal Counsel position is a regular contract role based in London, with preliminary interviews taking place in Tokyo. The contract length is not specified, but the posting end date for applications is set for 05/10/202

• EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace that emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, and it offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits to its employees. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, ensuring equal opportunities for all.