Counsel/Senior Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established to promote global economic stability and growth. Founded in 1944, the IMF has a membership of 191 countries and operates with a mission to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various fields, including economics, finance, and law, working together to provide policy advice, financial assistance, and technical assistance to its member countries.

Job Overview:
The Counsel/Senior Counsel position within the IMF's Legal Department, specifically in the Fund Law and Policy Division (LEGFL), is a critical role that involves advising on the legal and policy frameworks governing the IMF's operations. The successful candidate will engage in a variety of legal issues related to international law and IMF policies, contributing to the development and implementation of legal frameworks that support the IMF's regulatory and financial operations. This position offers a unique opportunity for lawyers to apply their expertise in a global context, working closely with member countries to enhance their legal systems, particularly in areas such as financial sector laws, exchange systems, and debt restructuring. The role requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and a commitment to supporting the IMF's mission through effective legal counsel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a member of the Fund Law and Policy Division, the lawyer will be responsible for advising on a range of legal issues, including but not limited to: (i) providing legal advice on country-specific and general legal matters under IMF law and international law; (ii) interpreting and advising on IMF policies related to surveillance, financing, governance, and transparency; (iii) assisting in the reform of national laws in member countries, particularly in relation to exchange systems, insolvency, and sovereign debt restructuring; (iv) conducting legal research and analysis to support policy development; (v) collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive legal and policy advice; (vi) engaging with member country authorities to strengthen their legal frameworks; and (vii) undertaking ad hoc policy-related assignments as directed by the General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed LLM, JD, LLB, or equivalent legal qualification, and must be licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction of the IMF's member countries. A minimum of two years of professional legal experience in areas relevant to the Fund's mandate is required, with a preference for candidates who have at least eight years of experience in commercial or international trade law, sovereign and private debt restructuring, or legal practice within international organizations or government agencies. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in international legal and public policy issues, possess excellent research and analytical skills, and have a proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential, and fluency in another major international language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have completed a postgraduate degree in law, such as an LLM, or a professional degree like a JD or LLB. This educational background should be complemented by a legal license to practice in any jurisdiction of the IMF's member countries, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in legal principles and practices relevant to international law and the operations of the IMF.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two years of professional legal experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have eight or more years of experience in relevant fields. This experience should include work in commercial or international trade law, sovereign and private debt restructuring, and engagement with international organizations or government agencies. Candidates should also demonstrate a capacity for continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic legal environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the IMF. Additionally, proficiency in another major international language is considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's ability to engage with diverse member countries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidate will be offered a 3-year Term appointment, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. Regular staff members who are selected will maintain their open-ended status. The position is expected to be filled at a lower level within the advertised grade band. All applicants are required to submit a Statement of Interest as part of their application, which will be utilized in the screening process. The IMF is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that employment decisions are made without discrimination and welcoming requests for reasonable accommodations during the selection process.