Purpose of Job

The Principal Counsel is primarily responsible for providing legal and policy advice and support on matters in his/her area of responsibility. Working closely with other staff across the Bank, The Principal Counsel assists in the development of policy and ensures that legal risks and issues relating to matters assigned to him/her team are identified, addressed and managed.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Provides all necessary legal assistance to the team’s client departments in connection with new and existing matters relevant to the work of the team, including:

I. interpretation, application, drafting and development of the Bank’s policies and legal framework – rules, policies and procedures, administrative manuals, internal communications and guidelines – and advice in respect of decisions/legally sound solutions under same;
I.I. development and maintenance of template legal documentation/clauses to ensure adherence to best practice and applicable law;

I.I.I. preparation, drafting and/or review of submissions/pleadings in proceedings before national courts, arbitration, the EBRD Administrative Review Committee (ARC) and the EBRD Administrative Tribunal (AT), and advise with respect to outcomes and settlements.

• Represents the Bank as advocate before the ARC and the AT, as applicable

• Drafts, reviews and negotiates agreements, commercial or otherwise, with external parties, including individuals, commercial companies and members and provide support re: disputes and claims arising under same

• Supports the team’s input into the work of various management committees, including by briefings and the preparation of papers

• Undertakes research, examine legal precedents as well as case-law and prepare legal memos on issues relevant to the work of the team

• Drafts and negotiates legal documentation, whilst ensuring the highest standards of documentation, protection of EBRD’s interests and compliance with EBRD’s mandate, policies, and procedures.

• Engages, manages and supervises the work of external law firms, ensuring cost effective utilisation of legal services and appropriate balance of internal and external legal advice.

• Contributes to the knowledge management activities of OGC, including, as appropriate, through the preparation and dissemination of memoranda and policy briefs, the updating and development of relevant country law information or of resources in a specialised subject area, and participating in EBRD’s on-going policy dialogue by providing legal advice/updates in relation to such countries or subject areas.

• Assists OGC Management on specific assignments.

• Participates in inter-departmental working groups and task forces in order to develop Bank policies or to deliver on the Bank’s strategic initiatives.

• Participates in the supervision and mentoring of the work of Interns, Associates, Senior Associates and, if applicable, Counsel.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Normally not less than three to seven years relevant experience gained in an international environment, whether dealing with international law or trans-national legal issues
• Have (i) a university law degree in a relevant field of law and (ii) a post-graduate law degree or relevant professional legal experience
• Preferably, be admitted/qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. Academic qualifications or professional experience in both civil and common law may be required
• Very good understanding of the specificities of an international organisation. Relevant professional experience in an international organisation would be an advantage
• A thorough understanding of the Bank’s policies and operating procedures in the team’s area
• Excellent command of the English language, including excellent skills to draft and negotiate legal documents in English. Knowledge of another official language of the EBRD or of a language of any of the EBRD’s countries of operations would be an advantage
• Excellent negotiation and project management skills as well as excellent interpersonal, communications (written, verbal and presentation) skills

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.