Associate Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 with the mission to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs approximately 2,000 staff members. The bank is known for its commitment to sustainable development and climate finance, deploying more than €15 billion annually to support various sectors including infrastructure, small and medium-sized enterprises, and renewable energy projects.

Job Overview:
The Associate Counsel position within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at EBRD is a pivotal role that supports the bank's mission of building sustainable market economies. Associates will engage in legal aspects of lending and investment transactions, providing legal advice on institutional matters, and contributing to policy development through the legal transition program. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to the bank's operations while leveraging country-specific knowledge and legal expertise. The position is based in London and involves collaboration with a diverse team of legal professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Associate Counsel, you will be responsible for handling legal aspects of EBRD’s banking operations, which includes drafting and negotiating legal documentation related to debt and equity transactions. You will conduct legal research, provide legal advice on various institutional matters, and support the development of policies within the bank's operational regions. You will also be expected to manage multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely follow-up and prioritization of tasks. The role requires excellent communication skills to interact with clients and stakeholders effectively, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree, with a preference for those holding a (post-)graduate degree. A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant legal experience is required, ideally in private practice or an in-house legal team. Familiarity with debt and equity transactions is essential, along with experience in conducting legal research and drafting legal documents. Experience in the bank's operational regions is highly desirable, and candidates with legal work experience across multiple jurisdictions will be favored. Strong project management skills and a client-focused approach are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A law degree is mandatory for this position, and candidates with additional (post-)graduate qualifications in law or related fields will be preferred. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles and practices relevant to the banking and finance sectors.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have between 3 to 5 years of professional experience as a lawyer, which can be gained through work in private law firms or in-house legal departments. Experience in handling legal matters related to banking operations, particularly in the context of international finance, is crucial. Familiarity with the legal frameworks of the EBRD's operational regions will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Candidates who are proficient in additional languages relevant to the EBRD's operational regions, such as Arabic, French, Russian, or Ukrainian, will have a competitive advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is highly valued in this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting for 3 years, with a start date around September 1, 202

• The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office 50% of the time. The recruitment process will include interviews scheduled between January and March 202
• The EBRD encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.