Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 199

• Its mission is to build sustainable market economies in the regions where it operates, which include Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. Recently, EBRD has expanded its activities to six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The bank deploys over €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 the sustainable development of the private sector. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) plays a crucial role in managing 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 for managing various lending and equity transactions across the bank's operational regions. The role requires structuring transactions, selecting and 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 help ensure compliance with EBRD's environmental and policy requirements. The positions are based in both Abidjan and Nairobi, with Nairobi expected to serve as one of the seven Regional Client Delivery Hubs for EBRD, covering operations in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. This role demands collaboration with international teams and requires candidates to submit their resumes in English.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Counsels in the Banking Operations group will have principal responsibility for a range of EBRD's lending and equity transactions. This includes secured and unsecured lending operations, as well as private and public equity investments. Key responsibilities include structuring transactions, managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and overseeing the full project lifecycle. Additionally, counsels will contribute to the knowledge management activities of OGC and support EBRD's policy mandate in lending and equity operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and other policy requirements. The job description is not exhaustive, and the incumbent 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. Relevant experience is essential, 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 areas such as cross-border banking transactions, structured finance, private equity investments, equity funds transactions, and capital markets transactions. Experience in the region is considered an asset. Candidates must demonstrate excellent command of the English language, particularly in drafting and negotiating legal documents, and a command of French is advantageous. Strong negotiation, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
A law degree from a university in the candidate's home country is mandatory. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, particularly those relevant to international finance and investment law.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial 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. Experience with English law governed financing agreements and transactions in the specified fields is crucial. Professional experience in the region where EBRD operates is a significant advantage.

Languages:
A strong command of the English language is mandatory, particularly for drafting and negotiating legal documents. Proficiency in French is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to operate effectively in the multilingual environment of EBRD.

Additional Notes:
The positions are regular contracts with a specified end date of 15/04/202

• EBRD promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries, regardless of their background. The organization values diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The work culture at EBRD emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and employee wellbeing, offering a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.