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, is responsible for providing 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; (v) mobilizing funds from third parties, including syndications partners and public as well as private donors, and administering trust funds for developmental purposes; and (vi) knowledge management and training.

We are recruiting a Senior Counsel (G2) to support IFC’s activities in North Africa and West Africa, based in Rabat or Dakar, commencing in the Spring of 2023.

Role & Responsibilities

• Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services in North and West Africa. 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, funds and blended finance.
• Work with client departments as they embark on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of Upstream projects.
• Interact and communicate with colleagues in Washington and other regions, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington and other regions working on projects in North and West Africa in general and to share knowledge and experience gleaned in North and West Africa across regions.
• Mentor and coach business colleagues in the region. Assist in designing and delivering trainings.
• Advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters.
• Provide general legal advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in North and West Africa.
• Build strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business in North and West Africa (including developing subject matter expertise for specific jurisdictions in North and West Africa), and effectively share knowledge and best practices.
• Advise on the selection of outside counsel for IFC projects, manage outside counsel and legal costs.

Selection Criteria

• At least 10 – 12 years of relevant experience, including experience at an international law firm and/or international financial institution and/or development institution.
• Proven track record at CLED of (i) successfully handling complex corporate and commercial transactions independently (including secured lending, corporate and project finance, and debt and equity financings), (ii) providing advice to clients on structuring, innovation and policy matters and (iii) taking on non-project assignments and initiatives.
• 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 risk in a practical and responsible manner and make well-reasoned decisions.
• Outstanding knowledge of IFC’s business, policies, practices and procedures.
• Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.
• Record of professional excellence and thought leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to deal sensitively in a multicultural environment, to build and maintain effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC, and to work effectively in teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times.
• Willingness to travel frequently and on short notice.
• Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
• Excellent communications skills and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively at senior levels.
• Ability to work in French.