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 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 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 General Counsel and Vice President, Risk & Sustainability, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in 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”); project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity, public-private partnerships, and investments in funds, as well as platform products; advising on corporate policy and operational matters; and (v) knowledge management and training. To support IFC’s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), CLED is recruiting a qualified Legal Officer to be based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Legal Officer will report to the LAC Assistant General Counsel.
Role and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate should be able to assume primary lawyer responsibility, work autonomously and exercise independent judgment on straightforward financing transactions, advisory projects and upstream engagements, in the financial and real sector and follow-on investments with existing clients. This includes advising internal clients at the business development stage, term sheet stage, and drafting and negotiating the relevant legal documents. The successful candidate is also expected to be able to provide “second chair” support on more complex transactions with a senior colleague.
The legal counsel will have the following duties and responsibilities:
General Duties
• 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, and managing simple equity sale arrangements;
• Update guidance, manage precedents, and work on legal and IFC policy research;
• Be knowledgeable about the laws of at least one relevant jurisdiction (required, Brazil) in the region related to commercial and company law / banking and finance;
• Be knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to public bids, concessions, and contracting with governmental entities at the different levels (municipal, state, federal, etc.) and
• Have demonstrated the competence needed to satisfactorily perform a variety of different and, at times, complex assignments to support the Legal Department.
Research
• Be proficient in the use of varied legal research sources, i.e., information databases, internet services, library sources; and
• 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.
Productivity
• Have the ability to advocate positions and explain them to internal and external clients orally and in writing; and
• Have the ability to manage a number of projects/ tasks at the same time.
Communication
• Interact and effectively communicate with colleagues in Washington and offices in LAC, to share knowledge and experience gained in own projects;
• Be able to explain and defend IFC’s approach in its standard loan and equity clauses and has developed an approach for successful negotiations;
• Effectively communicates corporate policies and objectives to internal and external clients orally and in writing;
• Be able to handle 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; and
• Advanced writing skills to be able to prepare letter agreements and contracts using technical legal terminology in English and Portuguese.
Judgement
• Handles the tasks noted above with limited to no supervision; and
• Demonstrated ability to apply good legal judgment in context of assignments.
Teamwork
• Can 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; and
• Participates in and organizes corporate initiatives and training programs.
Mentoring
• Actively promotes effective transfer of knowledge/skills; and
• Provides guidance to more junior staff in the Legal Department.
Selection Criteria
• Law degree from a recognized university and be admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction (required Brazil)
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working at an international law firm/institution or 4 years working at a local law firm following receipt of law degree, in each case dealing with cross border transactions
• 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
• Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.
• Ability to advise business teams on standard legal questions and legal risks
• Ability to understand complex legal issues in loans and equity investments and able to articulate arguments and rationale for the same
• Relevant language skills, English and Portuguese
• Ability to advise on advisory engagements
• Ability to handle portfolio work
• Effective written and spoken communication and strong interpersonal skills
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.
This vacancy is archived.