Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries transitioning to market economies. EBRD operates in over 30 countries across Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia, and has recently expanded its operations to six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The organization deploys more than €15 billion in financing each year and is a leader in climate finance, focusing on investments in renewable energy, 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.

Job Overview:
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at EBRD plays a crucial role in the bank's mission by handling all legal aspects of lending and investment transactions. The OGC provides legal advice on institutional and administrative matters and supports policy development through its legal transition program. Currently, OGC is recruiting for two Counsel positions within the Banking Operations group, which will be based in both Nairobi and Abidjan. The Counsel will have principal responsibility for various lending and equity transactions across EBRD's operating regions, which include Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. The role requires structuring transactions, managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and assisting throughout the project lifecycle. The Counsel will also contribute to knowledge management activities and ensure compliance with EBRD's environmental and policy requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel in the Banking Operations group will be responsible for managing EBRD's lending and equity transactions, which include both secured and unsecured lending operations as well as private and public equity investments. Key responsibilities include structuring transactions, selecting and managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and overseeing the full project lifecycle. The Counsel will also contribute to the knowledge management activities of the OGC and assist in carrying out EBRD's policy mandate in lending and equity operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and other policy requirements. Additionally, the Counsel may be required to perform other relevant duties as needed by business demands.

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. This experience should be 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 areas 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 also 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 the role, particularly in areas related to international finance and investment law.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have relevant professional experience in the legal field, specifically in areas related to financing agreements and transactions. This experience should ideally be gained in an international law firm, a top commercial or investment bank, or an international organization. The role requires familiarity with English law and experience in cross-border transactions, which is critical for the responsibilities associated with the Counsel position.

Languages:
A strong command of the English language is mandatory, particularly for drafting and negotiating legal documents. Proficiency in French is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration in the region where the EBRD operates.

Additional Notes:
The positions are regular contracts with no specified contract length mentioned. The job is based in Abidjan and Nairobi, indicating a regional focus on operations in West Africa. EBRD promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization emphasizes employee well-being and offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. The deadline for applications is set for April 15, 2026.