Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiatives. EBRD operates in over 30 countries, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. Recently, it has expanded its activities to six countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The bank deploys more than €15 billion in financing each year, focusing on climate finance, investments in renewables, green bonds, and energy efficiency programs. EBRD also supports small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure projects, and local manufacturers, emphasizing sustainable development in the private sector. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) plays a crucial role in handling all legal aspects of EBRD's lending and investment transactions, providing legal advice for institutional matters, and supporting policy development through its legal transition program.

Job Overview:
The Counsel positions within the Banking Operations group at EBRD are pivotal in managing EBRD's lending and equity transactions across its operating regions. The role involves structuring transactions, managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and assisting throughout the project lifecycle. Counsel will also contribute to knowledge management activities within OGC and ensure compliance with EBRD’s environmental and policy requirements in lending and equity operations. This position is integral to EBRD's mission of fostering sustainable market economies and will require collaboration with international teams, necessitating fluency in English for effective communication and documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Counsels in the Banking Operations group will have principal responsibility for various EBRD lending and equity transactions, which include secured and unsecured lending operations and private and public equity investments. Key responsibilities include structuring transactions, selecting and managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and assisting with the full project lifecycle. Additionally, Counsel will contribute to the knowledge management activities of OGC and help carry out EBRD's policy mandate in its lending and equity operations, ensuring compliance with EBRD’s environmental and other policy requirements. The role may also involve performing other relevant duties as required by business needs, reflecting the dynamic nature of the banking operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree from a recognized university in their home country and have relevant experience in their area of responsibility, ideally gained 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 should have professional experience as a lawyer working on English law governed financing agreements in fields such as cross-border banking transactions, structured finance transactions, private equity investments, equity funds transactions, and capital markets transactions. Experience gained in the Region is considered an asset. Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of the English language, particularly in drafting and negotiating legal documents, and proficiency in French is advantageous. Strong negotiation, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.

Educational Background:
A law degree from a university in the candidate's home country is required. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles and practices relevant to international finance and banking law, particularly in the context of English law governed transactions.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have relevant professional experience in the legal field, particularly in areas related to banking and finance. This experience should ideally be gained in an international law firm, a top commercial or investment bank, or an international organization, with a focus on English law governed financing agreements. Specific experience in cross-border transactions and equity investments is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent skills in drafting and negotiating legal documents. A command of French is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to operate in diverse legal environments and communicate effectively with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The positions are regular contracts with no specified length, indicating a long-term commitment. The roles are based in Nairobi, which is expected to be one of EBRD's Regional Client Delivery Hubs, covering operations in several countries including Cote D’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. EBRD promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization values employee wellbeing and offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes sustainability, equality, and digital transformation.