Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. Established with 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. The organization collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects, utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the WBG, focuses on promoting foreign direct investment into developing countries to alleviate extreme poverty and enhance shared prosperity by providing political risk insurance and credit enhancement to investors and lenders against losses caused by non-commercial risks. MIGA's operations are integrated into the new WBG Guarantee Platform, which streamlines the processing of guarantee products and enhances efficiency in delivering solutions.

Job Overview:
The Counsel position at MIGA involves working on a diverse portfolio of legal issues across various sectors and geographic areas. The role requires providing legal advice on guarantee operations of the WBG Guarantee Platform, including transaction structures and eligibility under MIGA's and IBRD's/IDA's governing documents. The Counsel will be part of a project team, advising on project risks, conducting due diligence, and contributing to approval documents. The position also entails drafting and negotiating contracts of guarantee and related legal documents, overseeing outside counsel, and assisting MIGA's portfolio team in preparing legal documents related to guarantees. The Counsel will conduct legal research, draft memoranda on national and public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, and assist in managing disputes between investors and host countries. This role is crucial in supporting MIGA's mission and ensuring compliance with legal standards in guarantee operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing legal advice on guarantee operations of the WBG Guarantee Platform, ensuring compliance with governing documents and applicable policies.
• Advising project teams on risks, conducting due diligence, and contributing to approval documents.
• Drafting and negotiating contracts of guarantee and related legal documentation.
• Overseeing the work of outside counsel and managing associated costs.
• Assisting in the preparation of waivers, consents, amendments, and other legal documents.
• Conducting legal research and drafting memoranda on issues of national and public international law.
• Assisting in obtaining and modifying host country approvals for guarantees.
• Managing disputes between investors and host countries that may lead to claims under WBG guarantees.
• Carrying out additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel or Chief Counsel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree, with qualification to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. An LLM degree is considered a plus. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant legal experience since earning their law degree, preferably in a law firm, international financial institution, or corporation with international business or finance operations. Relevant experience includes working on transactions involving cross-border lending or investment in developing countries, project finance, complex corporate transactions, and political risk or investment insurance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree. Candidates must be qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, and an LLM degree is advantageous. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks governing MIGA's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience since obtaining the law degree. This experience should ideally be in a law firm, international financial institution, or corporation engaged in international business or finance. Candidates should have a background in transactions involving cross-border lending or investment, project finance, and political risk insurance, which are critical for the role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Candidates must be able to draft and negotiate complex legal documents in English. Additional language skills, particularly in Portuguese, Spanish, or French, are desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries may apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Willingness to travel is also a requirement for this position.