Counsel/Senior Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established to promote global economic stability and growth. Founded in 1944, the IMF has a membership of 191 countries and operates with a mission to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various fields, including economics, finance, and law, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The IMF plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and advice to its member countries, helping them to implement sound economic policies and improve their financial systems.

Job Overview:
The Counsel/Senior Counsel position within the Legal Department of the IMF is a pivotal role that involves providing legal advice and support on a wide range of issues related to the law and policies of the IMF. The successful candidate will be part of the Fund Law and Policy Division (LEGFL), which is responsible for advising on legal matters and assisting in the development of legal frameworks that govern the IMF's operations. This position offers a unique opportunity for lawyers to engage with public international law and policy, bridging their previous legal experience with the mission of the IMF. The role requires a proactive approach to legal challenges, with an emphasis on contributing to the development and implementation of the IMF's legal, policy, and governance frameworks. The position also involves supporting the IMF's regulatory and financial operations in member countries and assisting them in strengthening their legal frameworks, particularly in areas such as exchange systems and sovereign and private debt restructuring. The role is expected to involve some travel to member countries, providing a chance to engage directly with various legal systems and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a member of the Fund Law and Policy Division, the lawyer will be tasked with advising on a variety of legal issues, including but not limited to: (i) addressing country-specific and general legal issues under the law of the IMF and international law; (ii) providing insights on IMF policies related to surveillance, financing, internal governance, and members' foreign exchange systems; (iii) assisting in the reform of national laws in member countries, particularly in areas such as exchange systems, insolvency, creditors' rights, and sovereign debt restructuring; and (iv) undertaking ad hoc policy-related assignments as needed. The lawyer will work under the supervision of the General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department, reporting to the Assistant General Counsel of LEGFL. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders within the IMF and member countries, contributing to policy analysis and development, and ensuring that legal advice aligns with the institution's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completion of an LLM, JD, LLB, or equivalent legal qualification, along with eligibility to practice law in any Fund member jurisdiction. A minimum of four years of professional legal experience is required, with six years preferred, in areas relevant to the Fund's mandate and the work of the Legal Department. This includes experience in commercial or international trade law, sovereign and private debt restructuring, work with international organizations, central banking, financial sector issues, or government agencies. Candidates should demonstrate a strong eagerness to learn, a keen interest in international legal and public policy issues, and possess a high degree of initiative and adaptability. Excellent research and analytical skills are essential, along with a proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a law degree such as an LLM, JD, or LLB, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates must also be eligible to practice law in any jurisdiction of the IMF member countries, which underscores the importance of a solid legal foundation and understanding of international law and policy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional legal experience, with a preference for candidates who have six years of experience. This experience should be in areas relevant to the IMF's mandate, including commercial law, international trade, sovereign and private debt restructuring, and work with international organizations or government agencies. The ideal candidate will have a track record of effectively navigating complex legal issues and providing sound legal advice in a variety of contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IMF. Additionally, proficiency in another major international language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse member countries and their legal systems.

Additional Notes:
This vacancy is for a 3-year Term appointment in accordance with the Fund's employment rules. While the position is advertised at the full grade band, it is expected to be filled at a lower level. All applicants are required to submit a Statement of Interest as part of their application, which may be utilized in the screening process. The IMF is committed to ensuring a non-discriminatory hiring process and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.