Requisition ID 33675 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Office of the General Counsel Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 2 years Posting End Date 17/07/2023
Purpose of Job
The Principal, Principal Counsel is primarily responsible for providing legal and policy advice and support on matters within their area of responsibility, including legal support for the EBRDโs donor partnership business, governance and corporate matters.
Working closely with other staff across the EBRD, the Principal, Principal Counsel (Legal Corporate & Donor Partnerships) assists in the development of policies and rules and ensures that in relation to their area of responsibility legal risks and issues relating to matters assigned to them are identified, addressed and managed.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Provide legal and policy advice and assistance to client departments on a wide range of matters arising in relation to donor partnerships, governance and corporate issues.
- Structure, draft, negotiate and advise on the application and interpretation of legal arrangements between the EBRD and various donors, governing the management and administration of bi-lateral and multi-donor cooperation and special funds.
- Manage a substantial portfolio of the EBRD agreements with donors.
- Advise on the development, interpretation and application of internal policies, directives and procedures.
- Support the Teamโs input into the work of various standing committees of the EBRD, through briefings and the preparation of papers.
- Manage the engagement and work of external law firms, ensuring cost effective utilisation of legal services and appropriate balance of internal and external legal advice.
- Contribute to the knowledge management activities of OGC, including through the preparation and dissemination of guidance notes, memoranda and policy briefs, and assist with the preparation and updating of pass-through provisions incorporating donor requirements in transactional agreements, organising and delivering training sessions on donor requirements for colleagues in the EBRDโs departments.
- Assist OGC Management on specific assignments.
- Participate in the supervision and mentoring of the work of OGC Associates.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- A law degree (admission to practice law in England and Wales is an advantage).
- Normally not less than seven years post-qualification legal experience in an international law firm, the in-house legal department of a top commercial/investment bank, or international organisation (including the EBRD).
- Excellent command of the English language, including the ability to independently draft and negotiate legal documents in English.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation and project management skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Competencies & Personal Attributes
- Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences both within and outside of the EBRD.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Good team player with strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
- Ability to handle pressure and work to challenging deadlines.
- Good organisational and multi-tasking skills.
- Interest in the multicultural environment of the EBRD as well as the EBRDโs mission.
What is it like to work at the EBRD?
Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.
The EBRD environment provides you with:
- Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
- A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
- An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
Diversity is one of the Bankโs core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.