Associate (Commercial and Technology)

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 199

• Its mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD operates in over 30 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation, and it values diversity as one of its core principles.

Job Overview:
The Associate (Commercial and Technology) plays a crucial role in providing legal assistance and support to the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at the EBRD. This position involves working under the supervision of OGC counsel, with the potential for independent handling of simpler legal matters. The Associate is expected to provide specialist legal advice within a multi-disciplinary operational team, ensuring that the EBRD's interests are protected and that all activities comply with internal policies. The role requires a thorough understanding of EBRD’s internal policies and the ability to monitor legal developments relevant to IT and commercial contracting. The Associate will also be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documentation, as well as analyzing legal risks and recommending solutions. This position is integral to supporting the timely completion of projects and activities related to commercial and technology legal matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist legal advice to clients under the supervision of OGC counsel, handling simpler matters independently when appropriate.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation, ensuring compliance with EBRD standards and identifying legal risks.
• Monitor and review the work of outside counsel, ensuring alignment with agreed frameworks.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of EBRD’s internal policies, procedures, and templates.
• Stay updated on legal developments in jurisdictions relevant to EBRD’s operations, particularly in IT and commercial contracting.
• Follow up on project deliverables and deadlines, identifying potential threats to avoid delays.
• Assist counsel in carrying out OGC-led activities as required.
• Perform other relevant duties as needed by business requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• A law degree and a postgraduate law degree, or equivalent work experience, obtained in a country other than the Associate's home country.
• A minimum of two to four years of prior work experience as a lawyer in private practice or a comparable environment.
• Familiarity with the types and structures of activities of OGC legal teams and in-house commercial legal teams.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, particularly in commercial contracts governed by English law.
• Knowledge of data privacy, intellectual property, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">information security, and confidentiality issues in commercial and IT contracts.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, with the ability to draft and negotiate legal documents independently.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a law degree and a postgraduate law degree, or equivalent work experience, ideally obtained in a jurisdiction outside of their home country. This educational background is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of international legal frameworks and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two to four years of relevant work experience as a lawyer, preferably in private practice or a similar legal environment. Candidates should have experience advising on commercial and technology matters, including contracts related to outsourcing, cloud-based services, and software development. Familiarity with the role of outside counsel and the documentation involved in commercial legal matters is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken skills necessary for drafting and negotiating legal documents. Additionally, proficiency in a language of one of the Bank’s countries of operations is preferred, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively in diverse legal contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract lasting three years. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to attend the office 50% of their working time. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background, and values diversity and inclusion in its workforce.