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, 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.

To support the growing IFC’s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), CLED is recruiting a qualified Counsel to be based in Bogotá, Colombia. The Counsel will report to the LAC Assistant General Counsel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES:

•  Provide advice and support to investment clients in debt, equity, project and corporate financings involving multiple financiers in a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure (transport, power and renewable energy and natural resources projects), manufacturing, agribusiness and services, financial institutions, funds, and blended finance.
•  Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including infrastructure PPP projects in LAC
•  Oversee work produced by administrative and more junior staff in the Legal Department.
•  Handle portfolio work, including preparing amendment and waiver documents, working on subsequent closings and disbursements, managing simple equity investments, participations in capital increases, and equity sale arrangements.
•  Advise on the selection of outside counsel in LAC, manage outside counsel and legal costs.
•  Update guidance, manage precedents, and work on legal and IFC policy research.
•  Be knowledgeable about the laws of at least one relevant jurisdiction in the region related to commercial and company law / banking and finance / equity.
•  Provide general advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in LAC; and
•  Have demonstrated the competence needed to satisfactorily perform a variety of different and, at times, complex assignments to support the Legal Department.
•  Be proficient in the use of varied legal research sources, i.e., information databases, internet services, library sources.
•  Have proven legal analytical skills, as demonstrated through research and analysis of a wide range of legal issues and the ability to present results / recommendations clearly and concisely.
•  Have the ability to advocate positions and explain them to internal and external clients orally and in writing.
•  Have the ability to manage a number of projects / tasks at the same time, including all stages of investment including due diligence, documentation negotiation, and closing deliverables.
•  Interact and effectively communicate with colleagues in Washington and offices in Latin America, both in English and Spanish, and to share knowledge and experience gained in own projects.
•  Be able to explain and defend IFC’s positions and approaches in IFC’s standard loan agreements and equity investment documents, and implement various approaches for successful negotiations.
•  Effectively communicates corporate policies and objectives to internal and external clients orally and in writing.
•  Build strong knowledge about business in the LAC regions and effectively share knowledge and best practices among members of the legal team in the region and globally.
•  Be able to handle engagements, communications and articulate instructions to external counsel and external parties and follow-up with the same with a view to finalize IFC positions including in terms of drafting documents.
•  Advanced writing skills to be able to prepare letter agreements and contracts using technical legal terminology in English and Spanish.
•  Ability to handle the tasks noted above with limited to no supervision.
•  Demonstrated ability to apply good legal judgment in context of assignments.
•  Ability to interact effectively within the Legal Department staff, other IFC departments, and senior personnel representing external clients.
•  Able to participate in and contribute to departmental working groups and committees and training initiatives;
•  Participates in and organizes corporate initiatives and training programs.
•  Actively promotes effective transfer of knowledge/skills.
•  Provides guidance to more junior staff in the Legal Department.

Selection Criteria

•  Law degree (Masters or JD) from a recognized university and be admitted to practice law 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, including specifically working on transactions that involve syndications or mobilization components.
•  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.
•  Independently, or with little supervision, take on straightforward transactions from start to finish, with the ability to work independently with investment staff, external clients, local counsel, and international counsel
•  Ability to advise business teams on standard legal questions and legal risks
•  Ability to understand complex legal issues in loans, equity investments, and capital markets transactions, and able to articulate arguments and rationale for the same
•  Ability to advise on advisory engagements and upstream initiatives
•  Ability to handle portfolio work
•  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.