Principal Counsel Job #: req32531 Organization: IFC Sector: Legal Grade: GH Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Mumbai,India Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 4/18/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy which has resulted in IFC doubling our financing volume in the past three years. With India as IFC’s largest portfolio country—accounting for US$9.8 billion (over 11% of total IFC exposure), our engagement in India has expanded significantly. Annual commitments have grown by more than 223% from US$1.3 billion in FY22 to a record US$4.2 billion in FY24 and US$4.5 billion in FY25 (YTD), with substantial investments in climate and gender-focused initiatives. IFC continues to build its equity program in India and currently, 31% of IFC’s portfolio exposure in India is equity, compared to 17% globally. IFC has also been at the forefront of introducing and scaling innovative financing solutions in India. From pioneering investments in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to structuring first-of-its-kind securitization transactions, IFC has consistently worked to deepen capital markets and enhance financial access to the underserved in India. IFC plans to continue to scale its impact in India with innovative solutions and planned delivery between US$4-5 billion annually.
To support IFC’s activities in India, the IFC Legal Department is recruiting a Principal Counsel, to be based in Mumbai, India. The position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, Asia.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Act as an anchor for proving support to Management on India related matters including advice in relation to regulatory and institutional matters and new initiatives. • Provide leadership in resolving legal, policy and deal structuring issues associated with equity investments in India. • Provide legal advice in complex and novel projects and products in India.• Provide advice and support to investment clients in equity, debt, project and corporate financings involving multiple financiers in a broad range of sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness and services, financial institutions, infrastructure (transport, power and renewable energy and natural resources projects), funds, and blended finance.• Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including C3P projects in Asia.• Work closely with client departments on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.• Advise on the selection of outside counsel in Asia, manage outside counsel and legal costs.• Interact and communicate with colleagues in other regions to facilitate the provision of excellent legal services in Asia, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington D.C. and other regions working on projects in Asia.• Mentor and coach more junior legal and business colleagues in the Asia region, provide leadership in designing and delivering trainings as well as sharing knowledge.• Take leadership on and advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters.• Provide general advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in Asia.• Build strong knowledge about business in Asia and effectively share knowledge and best practice.
Selection Criteria
• Qualified to practice law in one or more jurisdictions.• Master’s degree with at least 15 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience at an international and/or top-tier domestic law firm and/or international financial institution and/or development institution.• Track record at WBG of working on (i) complex corporate and commercial transactions handled independently (including, secured lending, corporate and project finance, blended finance, and debt and equity financings), (ii) advice to clients on structuring, innovation and policy matters, and (iii) leadership role in non-project assignments and initiatives and legal subject matters.• Demonstrated ability to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges.• Demonstrated ability to assess risks in a practical and responsible manner and make fair, well-reasoned, independent and transparent decisions.• Outstanding knowledge of IFC’s business, policies, practices and procedures.• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model.• Record of professional excellence and thought leadership.• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment and build and maintain effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times.• Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.• Excellent communications skills in English and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively at senior levels.• Commitment to CLED’s core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency, and accountability.
Staff members who are not citizens of the host duty station country will be offered International benefits. Staff members who are citizens of the host duty station country will be offered local appointment.
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.