Paralegal

Paralegal Job #: req34342 Organization: ICSID Sector: Legal Grade: GD Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish Closing Date: 10/8/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Note: Only applicants who are nationals, legal residents, or otherwise have legal presence in the duty station independent of any employer, and who are authorized to work in the duty station, will be considered.

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a member of the World Bank Group, is the global leader in international investment dispute settlement. Its mandate is to foster increased flows of international investment by providing an impartial and effective international forum for the resolution of disputes between host governments and foreign investors. Further information about ICSID can be found at www.worldbank.org/icsid

ICSID is looking for three paralegals to join its legal teams. The positions require fluency in English. Fluency in Spanish or French, the other two official languages of ICSID, is preferred. 

Role & Responsibilities:

• Draft, format, proofread, and finalize case-related correspondence in English, and preferably also in Spanish and/or French, ensuring that the correct documents are attached. 
• Prepare drafts of documents in cases in English, and preferably also in Spanish and/or French, for review by the Team Leader and legal counsel. 
• File submissions and other case-related documents in ICSID’s document management system in accordance with ICSID’s information management standards and procedures. 
• Coordinate and oversee parties’ submissions as uploaded to ICSID’s external file sharing site and provide technical assistance to parties and arbitrators as needed.
• Acknowledge receipt of parties’ submissions and review for completeness.
• Track and maintain case procedural details and milestones up to date in ICSID’s case tracking systems and external website.
• Create and maintain calendars of events (i.e., pending actions and deadlines) for each case and the team.
• Coordinate and oversee publication of case materials.
• Conduct research on assigned issues using existing case files and alternative sources (e.g., the internet, online portals, or other databases), analyze information, and summarize findings. 
• Prepare budget estimates for cases to ensure sufficient funds in the case escrow accounts. 
• Prepare letters to parties requesting advances on costs and assist counsel in monitoring the financial position of case escrow accounts. 
• Coordinate with the Secretariat’s Administration and Finance Team on the closure of case escrow accounts at the end of each case and on fund balance refunds when appropriate. 
• Assist with presentations and other materials for conferences and official meetings.
• Provide formatting (e.g., headings, tables of contents, footnotes), proofreading, editing, and cite-checking assistance with awards and decisions and other documents, ensuring consistency throughout.
• Prepare translations of case correspondence and other legal documents.
• Coordinate and review the translation of awards, decisions, and other documents. 
• Assist with the logistical arrangements for remote and in-person hearings in Washington, D.C., and abroad by preparing lists of participants and travel certificates and assembling all hearing-related documents, among other things. Support the Secretariat’s Hearings Organizer and Assistants.
• Share miscellaneous responsibilities with Legal Assistants and undertake other ad hoc duties that the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and Team Leader may assign. 

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree, Paralegal certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant paralegal experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, and preferably in Spanish and/or French also. Ability to draft various correspondence and edit materials in both languages using proper grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Knowledge of arbitration procedures is desirable.
• Sound organizational skills and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments promptly in a timely manner, with minimal supervision and often under severe time pressures.
• Knowledge of legal processes, procedures and terminology for reviewing, examining, preparing and processing legal documents.
• Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize legal and other information and present results clearly and concisely.
• Legal document drafting skills and experience preparing basic case-specific budget proposals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to assist team members by performing multiple, concurrent, and progressively more challenging assignments.
• Fully proficient in computer skills, particularly in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and in using information databases, internet/intranet services, and library sources.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with videoconferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Cisco Webex, and MS Teams).
• Tact and discretion in dealing with senior officials and staff at all levels.
• Ability to adapt effectively to shifting work demands and institutional directives in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Sense of responsibility, integrity, flexibility, and positive attitude.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.