Purpose of Job

The Associate is a member of the Corporate team of the Office of the General Counsel (“OGC”).

The Associate supports the Corporate Team within OGC by assisting the members of such team in the provision of all relevant legal services in their areas of responsibility (primarily employment and institutional matters, but also matters linked to the conclusion of commercial and technology contracts), ensuring the highest standards of documentation, protection of EBRD’s interests and compliance with EBRD’s mandate, policies, and procedures.

Typical responsibilities of the Corporate Team include: dealing with contentious staff matters under international administrative law; providing advice on the development and implementation of EBRD’s internal employment law as well as other institutional policies and directives, providing advice and making representations on EBRD’s status as an international organisation and the application of its privileges and immunities; as well as drafting and negotiating corporate contracts (commercial contracts, technology related contracts and lease agreements).

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Provides specialist legal advice in a multi-disciplinary operational team with a view to protect EBRD’s interests and ensure compliance with EBRD’s internal policies. Assists counsel in all aspects of their work. On simple matters advises clients under the general supervision of counsel and on more complex matters under their close supervision.

• Drafts, reviews, comments on and negotiates legal documentation, subject to further review and comments from counsel, with a view to eliminate legal risks and ensure adherence to EBRD standards. Analyses legal risks and recommends solutions for the consideration of counsel.

• Monitors and reviews the work of outside counsel within the framework agreed with counsel. Carries out the initial review of their work products and discusses comments with counsel.

• Develops and preserves thorough knowledge of EBRD’s internal policies, procedures and templates with a view to ensure compliance of activities with such policies, procedures and templates. Follows up on legal developments in jurisdictions where EBRD operates.

• Follows up on the deliverables and deadlines for a portfolio of activities in order to ensure their timely completion. Identifies and flags potential threats in a timely manner to avoid delays.

• Is a primary point of contact for small scale standard activities, with guidance from counsel where needed.

• Conducts legal research, as instructed by counsel.

• Where applicable, assists counsel in carrying out OGC led activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A law degree from a leading university in his or her home country and a post graduate law degree from a leading university, or work experience gained, in each case, in a country other than his or her home country.

• A good knowledge of and an interest for:

– matters relating to privileges and immunities of international organisations (exemption from taxation, archival immunity, jurisdictional immunity, etc…) and of other matters typically falling within the remit of the Corporate team of the legal service of an international organisation (governance issues, assistance to the office of the secretary general);

– commercial contracts, technology related contracts and procurement matters;

– international administrative law and the law applicable to the employment relationship between an international organisation and its staff members

• Prior experience in an international financial institution would be an asset.

• Normally not less than two years prior work experience as a lawyer in private practice or comparable working environment ensuring (i)familiarity with the types and structures of activities of the relevant OGC legal teams, the documentation involved, and drafting and negotiation skills, and (ii) the role of an outside counsel.

• Excellent command of written and spoken English enabling drafting and negotiation of legal documents. Preferably fluent in a language of one of the Bank’s countries of operations.

• Excellent project management skills, ability to monitor and follow up on many activities concurrently under time constraints and ability to understand and manage priorities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to explain legal matters and provide guidance in resolving legal issues.

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 Bank’s 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.