Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution founded in 1991 to support the development of market economies in Central and Eastern Europe, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Asia. EBRD is also expanding its operations into Sub-Saharan Africa. The bank deploys over €15 billion in financing annually and is a leader in climate finance, focusing on investments in renewable energy, green bonds, and energy efficiency programs. EBRD aims to promote sustainable development in the private sector and supports small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure projects, and local manufacturers. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to inclusivity and innovation.

Job Overview:
The Counsel position within the Banking Operations group at EBRD is a critical role that involves managing a variety of lending and equity transactions across EBRD's operating regions, which include Ukraine and Moldova. The role requires the Counsel to structure transactions, select and manage external law firms, draft and negotiate transaction documents, and assist throughout the project lifecycle. The Counsel will also contribute to the knowledge management activities of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) and ensure compliance with EBRD's environmental and policy requirements. This position is based in Kyiv, which is expected to be one of EBRD's Regional Client Delivery Hubs, and may involve temporary relocation to Warsaw, Poland, depending on the candidate's circumstances.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will have principal responsibility for a range of EBRD's lending and equity transactions, which include secured and unsecured lending operations and both private and public equity investments. Key responsibilities include structuring transactions, managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating legal documents, and ensuring compliance with EBRD's policies. The Counsel will also be involved in knowledge management activities within OGC and may be required to perform additional relevant duties as needed by the business. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree from a recognized university in their home country and have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in an international law firm, in-house legal department of a top commercial or investment bank, or an international organization such as EBRD. They should have substantial professional experience as a lawyer working on English law governed financing agreements, particularly in areas such as cross-border banking transactions, structured finance, private equity investments, and capital markets transactions. Experience in the Region or other EBRD countries is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent negotiation, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
A law degree from a university in the candidate's home country is mandatory. This educational background is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and regulations relevant to the transactions handled by EBRD.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least five years of professional experience in legal practice, specifically in areas related to banking and finance. This experience should ideally be gained in an international law firm, a top commercial or investment bank's in-house legal department, or an international organization. Familiarity with English law and experience in cross-border transactions are crucial for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in drafting and negotiating legal documents. Candidates should have excellent command of the English language to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a regular contract with a specified end date of November 5, 202

• The role is based in Kyiv, with the possibility of temporary relocation to Warsaw, Poland. EBRD may allow eligible candidates to work from Ukraine if relocation is not feasible due to personal reasons. The organization promotes a hybrid workplace model that emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, and it offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits to its employees.