Deputy General Counsel Office location: Basel Department: Legal Service Unit: Legal Service: Employment - Duration: 5 Years Contract type: Fixed-term FTE%: 100 Application Deadline: 21/06/2024

Description

Deputy General Counsel

The mission of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is to support central banks’ pursuit of monetary and financial stability through international cooperation and to act as a bank for central banks. Our head office is in Basel, Switzerland, and we have two representative offices, in Hong Kong SAR and in Mexico City, as well as Innovation Hub Centres around the world.

Under the authority of the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel supports the furtherance of the Bank’s mission by advising the Board, Management and the business areas of the BIS on all legal matters relating to the Bank's status, governance and activities with a view to ensuring that the Bank acts with due respect for the rule of law at all times. They will assist the General Counsel in the management of the Legal Service and act as their deputy.

The successful candidate will have:

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at the hub for central bank cooperation, an intellectually stimulating international setting alongside colleagues from more than 60 countries, and competitive employment conditions. The BIS is fully committed to equal opportunity employment and strives for diversity among its staff.

To apply, please complete the application form questions and submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your reasons for applying.

Applications close on Friday 21st June at 11.59pm

Job Description

Position (job title):

Deputy General Counsel

The position is in:

Legal Service

Position reports to:

General Counsel

Direct reports of this position:

5

Contract duration:

Five-year fixed-term contract

Job category :

H

Purpose of the job:

Under the authority of the General Counsel, and in cooperation with other members of the Legal Service, to provide appropriate advice on all legal matters relating to the Bank’s status, governance and activities to the Board, Management, departments and services of the Bank, with a view to ensuring that the Bank acts with due respect for the rule of law at all times; to develop appropriate legal structures, policies and frameworks to support the Bank’s operations and manage legal risk; to assure the provision, from time to time and on an ad hoc basis, of legal research and assistance to the central banking community on issues of interest to the Bank and to central banks with a view to fostering international legal cooperation and to promoting financial stability.

Acts as Deputy to the General Counsel.

Specific accountabilities as Deputy General Counsel:

General accountabilities:

Line manager responsibilities:

· Assumes primary responsibility for assisting the General Counsel in the management of the Legal Service and the implementation of his/her functions and duties by:

- supporting him/her in the decision-making process;

- under the authority of the General Counsel, coordinating and supervising the work of members of the Legal Service; providing advice and proposals to the General Counsel in strategic and tactical matters.

· In the absence of the General Counsel, assumes primary responsibility for the operation of the Legal Service, represents the Legal Service at Management meetings/other meetings, and provides ad-hoc advice and support to senior management.

· As a member of the Legal Service management team, contributes to the overall management of the Legal Service.

· Provides legal advice and guidance at all levels of the Bank in all matters concerning the legal structure and texts governing the Bank and the implementation of its mandate, the management of its staff and delivery of corporate services, and the conduct of its operations and activities, with due regard for the Bank’s special status as an international organisation

· Provides legal advice and assistance to manage legal risk, prevent and, when necessary, defend and settle disputes and litigation involving the Bank and, where appropriate, retains and directs outside counsel in this connection

· Establishes and/or maintains appropriate contact with central banks, international institutions and public authorities in Switzerland and in other countries regarding the status of the Bank and all legal matters relating to its activities

· Participates in the activities of committees and working groups and conducts legal research in areas of interest to the Bank and to the central banking community

· Manages and oversees workflows for all direct reports; leads, guides, motivates and develops direct reports, with due sharing of information and delegation of responsibilities. Manages performance of subordinate staff including setting work objectives and carrying out performance discussions.

Skills:

· Extensive international experience at a high level of responsibility in legal issues relevant to the operations, governance and administration of central banks and/or international financial institutions

· Strong background and experience in legal matters relating to international banking transactions and/or public international law, in common law and/or civil law jurisdictions

· Proven in-depth understanding of the international financial architecture, governance of international financial institutions and multi-jurisdictional operations

· Analytical, managerial and leadership skills

· Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and ability to engage impactfully with high-level internal and external stakeholders

· Strategic thinking, proven ability to support organisation-wide change and transformation, and adapt to new contexts and roles

· Excellent English and knowledge of German and/or French

Qualifications:

· PhD or master’s degree in law

Work experience:

· At least 10 years’ experience as a senior attorney, preferably with a central bank and/or international financial institution in the public or private sector