Purpose of Job

The Associate provides legal assistance and support to OGC counsel across the range of different matters both in terms of substance and complexity and may be assigned primary responsibility for providing legal advice and support on less complex and/or lower risk matters.

The team to which the Associate will be assigned is OGC Finance which handles legal aspects of the Bank’s borrowing operations under the Bank’s Global MTN programme, commercial paper issuing programme and other types of funding operations both in the international capital markets and in the Bank’s region of operations; derivatives and capital market operations in established and emerging markets (including derivatives, repo and other master agreements) and any other Treasury matters requiring legal advice.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

(a)Provides specialist legal advice in a multi-disciplinary team with a view to protect EBRD’s interests and ensure compliance with EBRD’s internal policies.
(b) Assists counsel in the following aspects of their work:

• Drafts, reviews, comments on and negotiates legal and/or policy documentation, subject to further review and comments from counsel, with a view to eliminate legal risks and ensure adherence to EBRD standards. Analyses legal risks and recommends solutions for the consideration of counsel.
• Monitors and reviews the work of outside counsel within the framework agreed with counsel. Carries out the initial review of work product and discusses comments with counsel.
• Conducts legal research, as instructed by counsel.
• Where applicable, assists counsel in carrying out OGC-led activities.

(c) Performs tasks set out in paragraph (b) without counsel’s involvement on a discrete number of less complex and/or lower risk matters for which the Associate may be assigned primary responsibility.
(d) Advises clients on legal matters in relation to the home jurisdiction of the Associate.
(e) Develops and preserves thorough knowledge of EBRD’s internal policies, procedures and templates with a view to ensure compliance of activities with such policies, procedures and templates. Follows up on legal developments in jurisdictions where EBRD operates.

(f) Follows up on the deliverables and deadlines for a portfolio of activities in order to ensure their timely completion. Identifies and flags potential threats in a timely manner to avoid delays.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A law degree from a leading university (typically in the Associate’s home country) and a post graduate law degree from a leading university, or work experience gained, in each case, in a country other than the home country.
• Normally not less than three years’ prior work experience as a lawyer in private practice or comparable working environment or commensurate experience in an international organisation ensuring (i) familiarity with the types and structures of activities of the OGC Finance team, the documentation involved, and drafting and negotiation skills, and (ii) the role of an outside counsel.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English enabling drafting and negotiation of legal documents. Preferably fluent in a language of one of the Bank’s countries of operations, including French.
• Excellent project management skills, ability to monitor and follow up on many activities concurrently under time constraints and ability to understand and manage priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to explain legal matters and provide guidance in resolving legal issues.

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.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements