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 more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. The organization works with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a member of the WBG, focuses on promoting foreign direct investment into developing countries to help end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity by providing political risk insurance and credit enhancement to investors and lenders against losses caused by non-commercial risks. MIGA has recently integrated its guarantee products into the new WBG Guarantee Platform, enhancing efficiency and speed in delivering guarantee solutions. For more information, visit www.miga.org.

Job Overview:
The Counsel position at MIGA involves providing legal advice on guarantee operations of the WBG Guarantee Platform, which includes transaction structures and eligibility under MIGA’s and IBRD’s/IDA’s governing documents and applicable policies and procedures. The Counsel will work as part of a project team under the guidance of a Chief Counsel, advising on project risks, conducting due diligence, and contributing to approval documents. The role requires drafting and negotiating contracts of guarantee and related legal documents, overseeing outside counsel, and managing costs. The Counsel will also assist MIGA’s portfolio team in preparing waivers, consents, amendments, and other legal documents related to guarantees processed under the WBG Guarantee Platform. Additionally, the Counsel will research and draft memoranda on issues of national and public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, assist in obtaining host country approvals for guarantees, and manage disputes between investors and host countries that may develop into claims under WBG guarantees. This position is integral to supporting MIGA’s mission and the overall objectives of the WBG.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide 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 and applicable policies and procedures.
• Advise on project risks, conduct due diligence to assess risks affecting the rights of the relevant WBG entity as insurer and subrogee, and contribute to approval documents.
• Draft and negotiate contracts of guarantee and related legal documents.
• Oversee the work of outside counsel when retained and manage associated costs.
• Assist MIGA’s portfolio team in preparing waivers, consents, amendments, approval documents, non-disclosure agreements, and other legal documents related to guarantees processed under the WBG Guarantee Platform.
• Research and draft memoranda on issues of national and public international law and conduct legal due diligence related to host countries.
• Assist in obtaining and/or modifying required host country approval for guarantees.
• Manage disputes between investors and host countries that may develop into claims under WBG guarantees.
• Carry out other duties assigned by the General Counsel or a Chief Counsel.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Counsel position should possess a strong legal background with expertise in international law, particularly in the context of investment and guarantees. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks governing MIGA and the WBG Guarantee Platform. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex legal concepts to various stakeholders. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are also important.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal qualification from a recognized institution. A strong academic record and additional qualifications in international law or related fields will be advantageous. Membership in a relevant bar association is also preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in international law, investment law, or related fields. Experience working with multilateral development banks or international organizations is highly desirable. The ability to navigate complex legal issues and provide sound legal advice in a timely manner is crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered a strong asset. The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from diverse linguistic backgrounds is important for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within the World Bank Group, specifically under the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The Counsel will be part of a dynamic team working on significant legal issues related to investment guarantees. The role may involve international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders across different countries. Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.