Counsel/Senior Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Founded in 1944, the IMF has a membership of 191 countries and operates in various regions globally. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals, including economists, financial experts, and legal advisors, who work together to provide financial assistance and policy advice to member countries. The Legal Department (LEG) of the IMF plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Fund operates within the framework of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and maintains financial integrity, which is essential for the Fund to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Job Overview:
The Counsel/Senior Counsel position within the IMF's Legal Department, specifically in the Financial Integrity Group, is a critical role that involves providing high-quality legal and policy advice related to financial integrity issues. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in substantive policy and technical work, contributing to the Fund's strategy on financial integrity, including anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). This position requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of experts and active participation in fostering global dialogue on AML/CFT issues. The role also involves assessing countries' compliance with international AML/CFT standards and contributing to capacity development activities. The candidate will be expected to draft policy papers, conduct research, and provide legal input on various operational papers and decisions, thereby playing a significant role in promoting the integrity of the international financial system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing legal and policy advice on financial integrity matters to Fund departments and member countries; contributing to the integration of financial integrity issues into Fund surveillance and supported programs; assessing countries' implementation of international AML/CFT standards through participation in relevant missions; managing or leading inter-disciplinary missions for AML/CFT capacity development; conducting research and analysis on complex legal and policy issues; drafting and reviewing policy papers and reports; and providing financial integrity input on policy and operational decisions. The candidate may also be assigned additional tasks as directed by the Head or Deputy Head(s) of the Division, ensuring a comprehensive approach to financial integrity within the Fund's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an LLM, JD, LLB, or equivalent legal qualification and must be eligible to practice law. A minimum of four years of professional legal experience is required, with relevant public or private sector experience in financial integrity issues. Candidates should have at least three years of direct professional experience in AML/CFT, including work with financial intelligence units, AML/CFT supervisors, or regulatory agencies. Experience with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) or similar regional bodies, as well as private sector experience in banks or law firms, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in AML/CFT assessments, operational supervisory experience, and knowledge of emerging topics such as FinTech and illicit financial flows. Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a strong educational background in law, specifically holding an LLM, JD, LLB, or an equivalent legal degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding complex legal frameworks and providing sound legal advice in the context of financial integrity and international law. Candidates should also have a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of financial integrity and related legal issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of professional legal experience, with a focus on financial integrity issues. This experience should include relevant public or private sector roles that provide a deep understanding of AML/CFT frameworks and practices. Candidates with experience in international cooperation, operational AML/CFT supervision, and prosecuting money laundering and terrorist financing cases will be particularly well-suited for this role. Experience in emerging areas such as FinTech and transparency of beneficial ownership will also be advantageous.

Languages:
While professional fluency in English is mandatory for this position, proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not required. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential for effectively conveying complex legal and policy issues to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 3-year term appointment in accordance with the IMF's employment rules. The role is expected to be filled at a lower level than the full grade band advertised. Current staff members on a term appointment will maintain their status, while contractual employees will be offered a Term staff appointment. All applicants must include a Statement of Interest with their application, which will be used in the screening process. The IMF is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination and welcoming requests for reasonable accommodations during the selection process.