Counsel

Job #: req24068

Organization: MIGA

Sector: Legal

Grade: GF

Term Duration: 3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): French, Portuguese, Spanish

Closing Date: 9/19/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) is a member of the World Bank Group, and our mission is to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries to help end extreme poverty and boost share prosperity. We do that through the provision of political risk insurance and credit enhancement to investors and lenders against losses caused by noncommercial risks. For more information, visit www.miga.org.

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA or the Agency) is seeking a Counsel for its Legal Affairs and Claims Group.

The Legal Affairs and Claims Group in MIGA (known as “MIGLC”) serves as the legal counsel for MIGA, and provides legal advice relating to the governance, operations, and other activities of the Agency. Among its principal responsibilities, MIGLC advises MIGA’s Council of Governors, Board of Directors and senior management, negotiates and drafts contracts of guarantee, manages all claims proceedings, facilitates discussions between investors and governments related to disputes and potential claims, oversees outside counsel, supports MIGA’s internal departments in risk and policy analysis, finance and risk management and external outreach, and promotes innovation and knowledge sharing in support of MIGA’s mission.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Counsel’s duties and responsibilities will include:

•  providing legal advice regarding guarantee operations, including transaction structures and eligibility under MIGA’s governing documents and other policies;
•  as part of a project team, assisting in the preparation of waivers, consents, amendments, approval documents, drafting and negotiating contracts of guarantee, non-disclosure agreements and other documents, and conducting legal due diligence on matters concerning MIGA’s rights as insurer and subrogee;
•  researching and drafting memoranda on issues of national and public international law and conducting legal due diligence related to host countries;
•  assisting in the process of obtaining and/or modifying required host country approval of guarantees;
•  assisting with review and management of disputes between investors and host countries that may develop into claims under MIGA’s guarantees;
•  researching and drafting memoranda in connection with institutional, policy and administrative issues, including privileges and immunities, environmental and social standards, membership matters, WBG establishment agreements, sanctions and integrity procedures, information technology, intellectual property, personnel matters, and governance questions; and
•  carrying out any other duties assigned by the General Counsel or a Chief Counsel.

Selection Criteria

•  Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree; qualification to practice law in at least one jurisdiction. LLM degree is a plus.
•  At least 5 years of relevant legal experience since earning law degree, preferably in a law firm, international financial institution or corporation with international business or finance operations. Relevant experience includes working in transactions involving cross-border lending or investment in developing countries; project, asset or corporate finance; complex corporate and financial transactions; political risk, export credit or investment insurance. Experience with trade finance would be a plus.
•  Strong analytical skills. Ability to assess legal issues in an objective, practical and responsible manner and provide well-reasoned, independent and transparent advice.
•  Demonstrate a history of having been able to (a) respond to multiple competing demands from internal and external clients under time pressure and (b) meet changing business needs.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment and high ethical standards. Ability to work in a diverse team.
•  Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy within the WBG and with government officials.
•  Strong organizational, research, and oral presentation skills.
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and ability to draft and negotiate complex legal documents in English.
•  Additional language skills desirable (Portuguese, Spanish, or French).
•  Understanding of the WBG mission and development agenda.
•  Willingness to travel.
•  References and a writing sample may be required as part of the selection process.

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.