Counsel – Climate
Washington DC, United States
JOB DETAIL
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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, Legal and Compliance Risk, provides legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory, and corporate matters. 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.
Climate is a strategic pillar for the World Bank Group. IFC is committed to growing its climate-related investments to an annual average of 35 percent of its own-account long-term commitment volume between 2021 and 2025 and working with financial institutions to finance projects that will support mitigation and adaptation.
We are seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal support to the Climate practice and to IFC’s other business areas. The position will be based in IFC HQ (Washington DC), reporting to the AGC, Legal Practices.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Advise the Climate Department and other internal clients on institutional and corporate matters relating to the Climate practice. Providing climate-related legal support to teams across regions and industry sectors.
• Work on WBG climate-related policy issues, including Paris alignment, carbon credits, climate finance, etc.
• Act as primary lawyer for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including Upstream.
• Support knowledge management in respect of the Climate practice area, including developing, updating and publishing guidance for legal and non-legal staff (including e.g. in the form of tip sheets and other written guidance); developing, updating and refining relevant specimen legal agreements and forms for the practice area (e.g. including climate definitions/climate eligibility criteria); maintaining the practice group intranet page; assisting in the design and delivery of internal and external trainings and presentations to legal and non-legal staff (including e.g. seminars/trainings/online courses); as well as formally and informally sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues in all regions.
• Stay up to date with (1) international and MDB frameworks (MDB common principles, Paris Alignment, Carbon Trading, etc.), (2) IFC operational changes (e.g. changes to i-desk for designation of Paris alignment status), etc.
• Advise on the selection of outside counsel, manage outside counsel’s service delivery, quality, and legal costs.
Selection Criteria
• A Juris Doctor or equivalent law degree.
• Admitted as a legal bar member in at least one jurisdiction.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience as a lawyer in a law firm, international financial institution, corporation and/or development institution with demonstrated work experience in cross-border emerging markets finance and investment, including project finance, corporate finance, equity investments, and managing intercreditor/syndications issues.
• Experience directly related to policy issues of climate and climate finance.
• Experience of and understanding of the WBG’s climate strategy is a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot, escalate and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment, to build and maintain effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC, and to work effectively in teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround expectations.
• Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
• Excellent communications skills in English language and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.
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.
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