Principal Counsel: Disruptive Technology and Funds

Principal Counsel: Disruptive Technology and Funds

Job #:

req23210

Organization:

IFC

Sector:

Legal

Grade:

GH

Term Duration:

3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:

International Recruitment

Location:

Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):

English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:

6/29/2023 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

IFC-a member of the World Bank Group-is the largestglobal development institution focused on the private sector in emergingmarkets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, andinfluence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. Infiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to privatecompanies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging thepower of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperityas economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. Formore information, visit www.ifc.org

The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, Legal and Compliance Risk, 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 (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.

Disruptive Technologies and Funds ("CDF") is a cross-sectoral department that works across the entire entrepreneurship ecosystem from venture capital to growth equity and invests in disruptive technologies and innovative businesses across sectors, such as health, education, agribusiness, climate, gender, digitalization and creative industries. As many disruptive technologies don't fit within a narrow sectoral view, CDF drives collaboration across MAS, FIG and INR to support earlier stage businesses to focus on the impact disruptive technology can have on traditional business models. CDF units include the Funds practice which works with private equity funds in emerging markets, (including PE Funds, SME Ventures, Venture Capital Funds, and Co-Investments), and the Venture Capital group which invests in ventures and growth stage companies that offer innovative technologies or business models geared at emerging markets across IFC focus areas, such as health, education, agribusiness, climate, gender and digitalization.

To strengthen CLED's capacity to support IFC's growing activities and product developments in the areas covered by CDF we are creating a position of Principal Counsel. The location of the position will be Washington DC or such other location as may be agreed on a case by case basis, subject to HR and regional requirements and constraints.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Provide advice and support to internal clients with a focus on transactions across all industry sectors with a focus on CDF. • Implement solutions and act as primary lawyer for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including Upstream engagements and creative industries, by CDF. • Work closely with AGC and CLED Global Leads, and in collaboration with other relevant departments, to design solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Corporation, guiding and supporting business and strategic direction, and developing products.• Advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters related to CDF.• Mentor and coach junior legal and business colleagues on transactions, provide leadership in designing and delivering trainings as well as become a knowledge resource for colleagues and IFC business staff on CDF related questions.• Help internal clients identifying and assessing business opportunities and advise on the design, documentation and implementation of projects, including identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.• Provide advice and support to colleagues and share knowledge and experience on CDF matters gained in projects across industries and regions and applying knowledge in a solutions-oriented and practical way.• Advise on the selection of outside counsel, manage outside counsel's service delivery, quality and legal costs.• Bolster the visibility of IFC and CLED internally and externally as thought leaders.

Selection Criteria

• Qualified to practice law in one or more jurisdictions.• At least 15+ years of relevant experience, including experience at an international law firm and/or international financial institution and/or development institution, preferably in developing countries and/or cross border transactions.• Technical excellence in relation to the Disruptive Technology and Funds practice. • Track record at WBG of working on (i) complex corporate and commercial transactions handled independently (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 risk in a practical 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 including Upstream and changing business model against the backdrop of IFC 3.0.• Record of professional excellence and thought leadership. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in and lead teams.• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times.• Willingness to travel, at short notice.• Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.• Excellent communications skills in English (other languages are a plus) and the capacity to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively at senior levels.• Client focused, practical, and solutions-oriented. • Ability to lead, including where the path is not defined.• Team player, committed, creative, agile. • Ability to motivate and mentor others, support, and convey energy.• Willingness to learn and develop professionally and personally, including welcoming feedback from supervisors, peers, and clients.• Convening power, including consensus-building among a range of stakeholders with different perspectives • Ability to oversee and delegate, while remaining involved in a supportive way.• Contributions to the Department (KM, thought leadership, leadership roles within the department; or successfully leading working groups).• Emotional intelligence: the ability to perceive and to interact effectively with others, even when under stress. • Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability of sensitivity in a multicultural environment, ability to build and maintain effective working relations with clients and colleagues across IFC.• Commitment to CLED's core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.

The length and nature of professional experience both at and prior to IFC is also taken into consideration.

"This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (includingshort-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates arerequested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, theirapplication will not be considered."

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.