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.
IFC’s Business Risk and Compliance Department (CBR) supports IFC’s business teams by helping to mitigate certain risks that may occur in IFC investment and advisory projects. One of these is “integrity risk” – corruption, fraud, economic sanctions, litigation, criminal activity/history, politically exposed persons, opaque ownership structures – any of which can affect the integrity of an IFC project, or adversely impact IFC’s reputation as the preeminent international organization operating in the private sector.
To this end, IFC business teams conduct integrity due diligence (IDD) to identify integrity risks in IFC advisory and investment projects, platforms and other new products and initiatives, and CBR supports them by providing advice on managing and mitigating those risks.
IFC’s business strategy requires staff to be in the region, closer to clients, and better positioned to support IFC operations. The position will be based in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
What You’ll Be
• An Integrity Counsel focusing on the Latin America and Caribbean region.
• A strategic partner to business teams (investment and advisory).
• A visible, vocal and influential champion for the proper management of integrity issues.
• Reporting to the Principal Counsel – Head, IDD/AML, who leads the Integrity Unit in CBR.
What You’ll Do
You’ll advise business teams with an independent voice on all core aspects of integrity risks as they impact IFC’s clients, partners, transactions and new products/initiatives in the above region, to include:
• Evaluating integrity and reputational risks, making recommendations, and providing solutions to mitigate risk.
• Employing knowledge, expertise, and sound judgment to address IFC’s unique integrity risk profile.
• Developing expertise in regional IDD issues across all sectors in which IFC works.
You’ll provide legal advice to business teams and management on integrity-related matters in transactions, new products/initiatives, and IFC operations generally, including on the following subjects:
• International and national anti-corruption/bribery laws and regulations (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act, etc.)
• International standards and guidance relating to AML/CFT (e.g., issued by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Wolfsberg Group) as well as national AML/CFT laws and regulations.
• Other integrity-related laws/regulations and legal issues that arise in IFC business.
• Economic sanctions (such as the UN, EU, UK, and US regimes) and other international trade sanctions and export controls.
• Crisis management and legal advice related to significant integrity legal matters, including potential or actual litigation or involving complex legal issues.
• The legal workings of the WBG Integrity Vice-Presidency (INT) and WBG Sanctions System.
You’ll also provide legal advice to business teams and management on integrity-related contractual provisions, to include:
• Reviewing current integrity-related provisions in IFC legal agreements.
• Drafting new integrity-related provisions in IFC legal agreements and bespoke legal provisions in IFC financing documents.
• Negotiating with clients to build out contractual protections on integrity-related matters.
• Advising on integrity-related provisions for legal documentation relating to new products/initiatives.
• Drafting disclosures for Board papers.
Selection Criteria
• Juris Doctorate (JD), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of working experience including a minimum of 5 years providing legal advice on international business transactions, project finance, investment funds, or litigation including experience advising on business integrity-related matters (such as anti-corruption laws, AML/CFT, economic sanctions, etc.).
• Law firm experience, is a plus.
• Fluence in English and Spanish or Portuguese.
• Experience evaluating the compliance programs of private sector companies, is a plus.
• Working familiarity with laws and regulations, industry and international standards at the intersection of integrity and AML/CFT, is a plus.
• Experience presenting engaging workshops and trainings to staff and management at all levels.
• Highly developed technical skills with solid judgment.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on what to escalate.
• Clear, concise, and cogent writing skills and ability to provide concrete recommendations.
• Ability to build effective client relationships.
• Genuine commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Diplomacy and ability to work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Highly personal integrity, strong values, and ethics.
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.