Associate Lawyer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a leading 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, focusing on climate finance, 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) is integral to EBRD's operations, handling all legal aspects of borrowing, lending, and investment transactions, providing legal advice for institutional matters, and supporting policy development through its legal transition program.

Job Overview:
The Associate Lawyer position within EBRD’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is designed for an outstanding legal professional who will contribute to the bank's mission of fostering sustainable market economies. The successful candidate will join the OGC Finance group, which is responsible for managing the legal aspects of EBRD's borrowing operations, including the Global Medium Term Note (MTN) programme and commercial paper issuing programme. This role requires a strong understanding of international capital markets, derivatives, and capital market operations, as well as the ability to provide legal advice on various Treasury matters. Associates will leverage their country, language, and academic knowledge to support EBRD's operations and will be expected to engage actively in the legal transition program, which aims to enhance the legal frameworks in the bank's regions of operation. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that prioritizes inclusiveness, innovation, and responsibility, while also allowing for professional growth and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Lawyer will be responsible for a variety of tasks within the OGC Finance group, including but not limited to:

• Providing legal advice on EBRD's borrowing operations, including the Global MTN programme and commercial paper issuing programme.
• Drafting and negotiating legal documentation related to funding operations in international capital markets.
• Advising on derivatives and capital market operations, including repo and other master agreements.
• Conducting legal research and analysis to support the bank's financial transactions.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assisting in the development of policies and procedures related to legal matters.
• Engaging with external legal counsel as necessary to facilitate transactions.
• Monitoring and managing multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and adherence to priorities.
• Contributing to the bank's legal transition program by providing insights and recommendations based on legal expertise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Associate Lawyer position are expected to possess the following qualifications:

• A law degree from a leading university, with a preference for candidates holding a (post-)graduate degree.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience as a lawyer, either in private practice or within an in-house legal team.
• Familiarity with international capital markets, including debt capital markets, derivatives, and structured finance.
• Experience in conducting legal research, drafting, and negotiating legal documentation.
• Legal work experience in the bank's countries or regions of operation is highly desirable.
• Experience across multiple jurisdictions is considered an asset.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a client-focused approach.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Associate Lawyer position includes:

• A law degree from a recognized institution, demonstrating a solid foundation in legal principles.
• A (post-)graduate degree in law or a related field is preferred, indicating advanced knowledge and specialization.
• Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas of law, particularly those related to international finance and capital markets, are advantageous.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience as a lawyer, which should encompass work in private practice or an in-house legal team.
• Demonstrable experience in international capital markets, particularly in areas such as debt capital markets, derivatives, and structured finance.
• Experience working in the jurisdictions where EBRD operates is preferred, as it provides valuable context for the legal challenges faced in those regions.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Additionally, it is highly desirable for candidates to be fluent in:
• French, as it is relevant to the work in the bank's countries and regions of operation. Proficiency in other languages may also be beneficial, depending on the specific jurisdictions involved in the bank's operations.

Additional Notes:
The Associate Lawyer position is a fixed-term contract lasting for three years, with a start date around 1 September 202

• The interview process is scheduled to take place in May-June 202
• The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace model that emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. The bank is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. Competitive benefits and a focus on employee wellbeing are integral to the EBRD's work culture.