Purpose of Job

EBRD’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking a Sanctions Counsel to be based at EBRD’s Headquarters in London.

The Sanctions Counsel will work in a team led by the Lead Counsel – Sanctions to provide advisory support on matters related to trade and economic sanctions across EBRD’s various lines of business and operations (including banking, corporate, procurement and Treasury).

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

The key accountabilities and responsibilities of the Sanctions Counsel will include:

• legal research and provision of sanctions advice and guidance to support all areas of the Bank’s operations in identifying, assessing, and managing ongoing exposure to sanctions risks;
• supporting operational lawyers and business colleagues on transactional and documentation matters, including handling ad hoc legal queries and drafting sanctions-related disclosure statements, contractual provisions and internal memoranda;
• reviewing and advising on specific sanctions case referrals (including positive alerts generated by screening tools);
• providing input on the implementation of EBRD’s sanctions control framework (including in respect of sanctions due diligence and risk assessment); and
• contributing to the design, implementation and delivery of sanctions training for EBRD staff.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have:

• a minimum of five years of practical experience in sanctions advisory roles (including conducting legal research and sanctions assessments and drafting and negotiating sanctions related legal documentation) within a law firm or a regulated financial services firm or regulator. Similar work experience in an international financial institution would be an asset;
• in-depth knowledge of the principal sanctions regimes and their international application (including UN, US OFAC, EU, UKHMT and OFSI);
• strong knowledge and experience of best practice in managing sanctions risks;
• strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail, with an ability to understand and assess diverse and complex sanctions scenarios and provide clear, commercially balanced and politically sensible advice;
• excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, and an ability to explain complex matters in simple terms;
• excellent drafting skills, with experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating sanctions related legal documentation and disclosure statements;
• sufficient awareness of latest regulatory and legislative developments;
• ability to work efficiently and effectively in completing assigned duties, often to tight deadlines;
• a law degree from a leading university or a professional qualification from an internationally recognised body – ICA Financial Crime / Sanctions / AML Diploma or Advanced Certificate or similar;
• excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluency in an additional language, in particular Russian, French, Turkish or Arabic, would be an asset.

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.