Counsel / Senior Counsel - Equity & Funds Practice

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries and leveraging private sector solutions to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, aiming to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Counsel / Senior Counsel position is integral to the Legal Department of the IFC, which provides legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, Management, and client departments on various operational, advisory, and corporate matters. The role primarily supports two legal practice areas: Equity and Funds Practice. Equity investing is a core element of IFC’s strategy, providing developmental support and long-term growth capital. The position involves advising on equity investments, quasi-equity, mezzanine products, and venture capital across various sectors and regions. The successful candidate will also support teams performing Upstream and Mainstream advisory services, act as a project lawyer on transactions, and mentor colleagues. This role requires building strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business, advising on the selection of outside counsel, and managing legal costs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Counsel / Senior Counsel include assuming primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments globally, focusing on equity and funds transactions across all industry sectors, particularly in Disruptive Technology services and Funds Department. The role involves providing legal advice on equity, quasi-equity, and mezzanine products, supporting teams in advisory services, acting as project lawyer on transactions, mentoring business colleagues, designing and delivering training, advising on institutional and corporate matters, and managing outside counsel. The candidate will also be expected to build strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business, assess risk, and make well-reasoned decisions while maintaining professional integrity and sound judgment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree and be qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. They should have a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant sector experience, particularly in equity and funds. Key requirements include excellent legal analytical skills, responsiveness, reliability, sound judgment, and a positive work attitude. The ability to foresee and resolve conflicting issues independently, assess risk practically, and make transparent decisions is essential. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships in a multicultural environment are also required, along with excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.

Educational Background:
A law degree is mandatory, along with qualification to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles, particularly those relevant to equity and funds.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8-10 years of relevant experience in the legal sector, with a focus on equity and funds. Candidates should demonstrate deep experience in these areas, showcasing their ability to handle complex legal issues and transactions effectively.

Languages:
English is the mandatory language for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered a plus, although not explicitly stated as preferred.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, and the location is primarily in Washington, DC, although other locations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees.