Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory, and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in (i) the delivery of IFC’s annual program of financing private sector projects in emerging markets, advisory services, as well as early stage engagements and pre-investment project development work to identify opportunities for private sector investments and creating markets (“Upstream”); (ii) project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); (iii) the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity and public- private partnerships, and investments in funds, as well as platform products; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. To support IFC’s growing activities in Asia, CLED is recruiting a qualified Legal Counsel, to be based in Beijing.

Duties and Accountabilities:
•  Assuming primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation) investments and advisory services projects in Asia
•  Providing advice and support to Investment and Advisory colleagues located in Asia
•  Interacting and communicating with colleagues in Washington to facilitate the provision of excellent legal services in Asia, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington working on projects in Asia
•  Advising colleagues on the selection of outside counsel in Asia
•  Obtaining and expanding country knowledge, experience and best practices arising from the business in Asia and effectively sharing this knowledge
•  Providing legal advice and support to business development officers and others in the structuring of projects in Asia

Selection Criteria

•  Law degree with at least 8 to 12 years of relevant experience working on transactions in an international law firm and/or international financial institution and/or development institution.
•  Demonstrated ability to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges.
•  Demonstrated ability to assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make fair, well-reasoned, independent, and transparent decisions.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to deal sensitivity in a multicultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues across the Corporation.
•  Excellent communications skills in English, presents both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively.
•  Fluency in Mandarin preferred.
•  Able to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround expectations.
•  Willingness to travel throughout the Asia Region frequently and on short notice.
•  Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
•  Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.
•  Only applications indicating interest in the position in Beijing will be considered.

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.