Counsel – Advisory and Knowledge - req31680

Qualifications
The Selected Candidate will be a lawyer who can operate independently and has the ability to handle legal and policy issues related to the Bank’s work while working collaboratively with other lawyers within LEGVP
The Counsel position requires demonstrated ability to apply rigorous analytical skills, to work harmoniously in a team, and to exercise good judgment
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional legal experience
Fluency in English is essential
Ability to formulate policy positions and draft decisions
Strong analytical and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively, to build trust among peers and colleagues, to respond quickly and consistently to key issues
Demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives
Excellent workload prioritization and ability to multi-task whilst maintaining high levels of attention to detail and meeting deadlines
Comfortable with change, demonstrating resilience and ability to work at a pace
High degree of persuasiveness and diplomacy to generate consensus, especially on divisive legal issues
For the WBG core competencies: WBG CORE COMPETENCIES
Excellent legal research, writing, drafting, analytical and communications skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent legal drafting skills, including of agreements and legal memos
Familiarity in the use of varied legal research sources (including electronic sources on the internet) and other databases
Proven ability to operate effectively as a member of one or more teams; must be a self-starter and collaborate well with others; ability to exercise sound judgment in recognizing what issues to bring to the attention of the Head of Office, and which to handle autonomously
Proven ability to deal sensitively in multicultural and multi-ethnic environments and build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues
Ability to work under time pressure and to manage multiple tasks within tight deadlines
Legal Drafting, Research and Communication: Proven ability to conduct legal research, draft legal documents, briefings and a variety of legal instruments and related documents independently
Independence: Carries out work with due care, preparing accurate documents and reports, ensuring that pertinent facts are fairly presented without seeking to obfuscate (either through too much information or withholding relevant information)
Professional Maturity: Understands others and the reasons for their behavior
Takes the time to clarify others' points of view so that progress can be made particularly in situations of stress or conflict
Proven ability to deal sensitively and effectively across organizational boundaries, as a team member, in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues
Recommends and takes decisive action: Applies critical thinking and seeks inputs and experience from others to recommend a course of action consistent with the WBG’s strategy
Shares information and frames thinking/actions with a corporate perspective in mind
Seeks and analyzes facts, data and lessons of past experience to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others’ work
Demonstrated commitment to the World Bank Core Values for WBG and a proven track record of fostering a strong and healthy culture of diversity, inclusion, teamwork, honesty, trust, openness, integrity, and accountability
Demonstrated ability to be sensitive to issues around race, gender, ethnicity, inclusion, and intersectionality
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive working environment
Demonstrated commitment to the Bank’s mission, and ability to work towards WBG's corporate targets for successful outcomes
A strong results-oriented mindset
Benefits
The World Bank Group (WBG) offers comprehensive benefits including a retirement plan; health (medical dental, pharmacy, vision), life and disability insurance; generous annual leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
WBG entry salaries are determined based on the grade, years of relevant experience and internal comparators
Consistent with our entry salary methodology, new hires are likely to be offered a salary between the minimum and midpoint of the salary scale for the advertised grade
In addition to the base-line salary, international staff posted to a field assignment receive generous field benefits and those at HQ receive expatriate benefits for five years, provided they are not US citizens or permanent residents
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
Responsibilities
To ensure that countries can access the best global expertise and help generate cutting-edge knowledge, the World Bank Group is constantly seeking to improve the way it works
Key priorities include delivering measurable results, promoting openness and transparency in development, and improving access to development information and data
Accordingly, the Unit will work to advance LJS services, integrate and coordinate the production of knowledge across LEG and collaborate with other WBG departments and units as well as external partners to advance the rule of law agenda in member countries consistent with our shared development agenda
The role will the focused on initiatives in the area of law, regulatory and judicial reform, with a particular focus on judicial engagement and capacity-building, as well as digitalization
Activities can include support the strengthening and capacity-building of the judicial sector across the aforementioned thematic areas and in relation to legal themes with relevant developmental implications (such as selection processes for judges, judicial training, judicial codes of conduct, assessment of accountability, access to the systems of justice, mobile courts)
It empowers nations to pursue their national policies, enact legislation, and tackle global challenges effectively
LEGLA will have a significant impact across various critical areas, including enhancing support for the World Bank's addressing its portfolio of judicial engagement and support, digitalization agenda, and fortifying the regulatory environment for business, particularly in the context of Private Capital Mobilization (PCM)
The Counsel will work under direct supervision of the Chief Counsel
As Part Of His/her Duties, The Counsel Will
Be responsible for the successful delivery of legal work on projects and programs and other transactions within client assignments; drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing legal documents for World Bank’s;
Handling issues within an area of concentration to enable clients to create solutions;
Providing legal support to ongoing projects and programs, including reviewing project and program documents for adherence to World Bank Group legal policies and procedures, and business objectives;
Conducting comparative legal analyses on a range of issues in a given area, identify legal and policy issues, research for relevant precedents, and propose appropriate solutions to colleagues and clients;
Engaging in policy discussions and negotiations with officials internally and externally, developing relationships with members of the legal profession and lawyers working in development partner agencies;
Protecting and promoting World Bank Group's interests;
Writing and reviewing policy papers, undertaking legal research on topics in area of concentration and contributing to dissemination of policy and best practices in a given field;
Preparing legal briefs on diverse topics, as required;
Participating in task/project teams and operational missions; and
Performing ad hoc assignments as requested by the Chief Counsel
In Relation To LEGLA, The Counsel Will Also
Expand LEGLA portfolio of judicial engagement and capacity-building, including with respect to networks of judges and judicial training;
Provide support to knowledge, as well as legal and judicial support functions carried out by the Legal Vice Presidency;
Carry out project management responsibilities for the Chief Counsel, which will include helping to oversee workflow and priorities of the global legal team, as well as liaising with internal and external stakeholders to keep priorities on task and schedule;
Constant, effective interaction with the Legal Vice Presidency Unit, communicating pertinent information across the function, on behalf of the Chief Counsel;
Develop draft recommendations to enhance how the LEGVP can strengthen its participation in World Bank Group judicial-related and access to justice activities and agenda;
Contribute to data collection, background research, and other inputs;
Identify strategic fundraising opportunities, and, subject to applicable conflicts of interest rules and guidelines, conduct selected fundraising;
Prepare legal briefs on diverse topics, as required;
Work to advance the LEGVP’s knowledge management agenda and use of technology
Identify strategic partnerships for the LEGVP and external events in which the Chief Counsel can participate; and
Any other assignments to be agreed with the Chief Counsel
Can demonstrate ability to build productive relationships across all levels, with strong influencing and networking skills
Discrete and used to manage confidential information and projects
Conducts research as necessary to acquire insight and information
Is aware of the need for precision and focus on quality
Uses a writing style that is clear and precise
Interprets information in an objective manner, exercising professional skepticism when required
Accepts and implements decisions made by management
Legal Reasoning: Breaks down problems into their component parts
Articulates the implications of situations in a step-by-step way
Remains objective when reviewing problems or situations to understand the issues
Makes sure to seek or possess all relevant facts
Evaluates risk and anticipates the short and long-term implications of decisions
Commits to a decision and takes action once a decision has been reached
Delivers Results for Clients: Contributes to the delivery of results for clients on complex issues
Sets challenging goals that align with the WBG mission and is always looking to improve
Understands clients’ most pressing challenges and contributes to solutions
Takes personal responsibility for producing high-quality work, identifying and informing of risks, and delivering results for clients
Collaborates within Teams and Across Boundaries: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success
Leads and Innovates: Brings new and different insights
Applies critical thinking to current approaches, identifies areas for improvement, and tries new solutions that drive results
Considers own behavior in the context of WBG’s values and mission and recognizes the impact one has on others
Operates in ambiguity and changing needs and supports others to do the same
Creates, Applies and Shares Knowledge: Actively contributes to and readily applies WBG’s body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions
Contributes to the department’s and WBG’s body of knowledge by applying lessons learned and expertise
Actively invests in own knowledge and seeks feedback
Builds personal and professional networks within and beyond the work group
Makes Smart Decisions: Leverages available data and makes timely decisions
Applies cost/benefit analysis to meet work program objectives
Contributes to decision-making by providing relevant risk-analysis
Shows initiative when necessary and makes decisions in a timely manner within own area of responsibility
Values, Leadership Potential
Job description
Counsel – Advisory and Knowledge

Job #: req31680

Organization: World Bank

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): Portuguese, Spanish, French

Closing Date: 2/20/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:5+pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges.

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance and global expertise for developing countries. WBG consists of five institutions that specialize in different aspects of development: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), which together form the World Bank: the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). For additional information, please visit http://www.worldbank.org

With twin goals of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity, the WBG works in more than 100 developing economies to improve living standards and to fight poverty. For each of its clients, the WBG works with government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to formulate assistance strategies. A network of offices worldwide delivers the programs in countries, liaises with governments and civil society, and works to increase understanding of development issues. The World Bank is owned by 18+ member countries whose views and interests are represented by a Board of Governors and a Washington, DC-based Board of Directors. With more than 150 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It uses financial resources and extensive experience to help our client countries to reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and improve quality of life. To ensure that countries can access the best global expertise and help generate cutting-edge knowledge, the World Bank Group is constantly seeking to improve the way it works. Key priorities include delivering measurable results, promoting openness and transparency in development, and improving access to development information and data.

Legal Vice Presidency. In the context of the World Bank's broad development agenda, the Legal Vice Presidency (LEG), under the Senior Vice President and Group General Counsel (SVP-GC), is responsible for providing legal advice and support to internal and external Bank clients on operational, advisory, financial, administration, and institutional matters.

LEG requires the services of a senior level professional with a legal background to join the Law Advisory & Knowledge Unit (LEGLA).

The Law Advisory & Knowledge Unit (the Unit) is established within the Legal Department (LEG) in order (1) to facilitate the delivery of law and judicial support (LJS) services across the strategic priorities of World Bank Group (WBG) activities and (2) to coordinate and support the cultivation, development, management, dissemination, application and integration of legal knowledge products that advance corporate priorities.

By virtue of the unique role of the legal function across the wide span of WBG operations, strategy, policy, finance and administration, LEG acquires a uniquely broad range of skills, knowledge and perspectives that enable it to bring technical capacity to the conceptual development of projects designed to leverage development gains through advancements in the rule of law. In addition, LEG acquires and develops an enormous amount of knowledge and experience that can be more fully integrated to advance more effectively the WBG’s mission to Eradicate Poverty and Boost Shared Prosperity on a Livable Planet. This mission is inextricably linked to the rule of law and strong public institutions that comprise a “legal ecosystem” of policies, laws, rules and regulations that are applied fairly, efficiently, consistently, transparently, ethically and with accountability.

Accordingly, the Unit will work to advance LJS services, integrate and coordinate the production of knowledge across LEG and collaborate with other WBG departments and units as well as external partners to advance the rule of law agenda in member countries consistent with our shared development agenda.

The role will the focused on initiatives in the area of law, regulatory and judicial reform, with a particular focus on judicial engagement and capacity-building, as well as digitalization. Activities can include support the strengthening and capacity-building of the judicial sector across the aforementioned thematic areas and in relation to legal themes with relevant developmental implications (such as selection processes for judges, judicial training, judicial codes of conduct, assessment of accountability, access to the systems of justice, mobile courts).

The Selected Candidate will be a lawyer who can operate independently and has the ability to handle legal and policy issues related to the Bank’s work while working collaboratively with other lawyers within LEGVP.

Legla Background

LEGLA works in close collaboration with Country Management Units (CMUs) and Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions (EFI), focusing on demand-driven, result-oriented approaches to increase the value within and outside of the World Bank in the areas outlines in the World Bank’s Evolution Roadmap.

LEGLA focuses on supporting other World Bank Units and Global Practices, as well as client countries, in the development of robust regulatory frameworks and institutional capabilities while reinforcing the rule of law. It empowers nations to pursue their national policies, enact legislation, and tackle global challenges effectively. LEGLA will have a significant impact across various critical areas, including enhancing support for the World Bank's addressing its portfolio of judicial engagement and support, digitalization agenda, and fortifying the regulatory environment for business, particularly in the context of Private Capital Mobilization (PCM).

Responsibilities And Accountabilities

The Counsel position requires demonstrated ability to apply rigorous analytical skills, to work harmoniously in a team, and to exercise good judgment. The level and quality of these skills will be a determining factor in the selection for the position. The Counsel will work under direct supervision of the Chief Counsel.

As Part Of His/her Duties, The Counsel Will
• Be responsible for the successful delivery of legal work on projects and programs and other transactions within client assignments; drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing legal documents for World Bank’s;
• Handling issues within an area of concentration to enable clients to create solutions;
• Providing legal support to ongoing projects and programs, including reviewing project and program documents for adherence to World Bank Group legal policies and procedures, and business objectives;
• Conducting comparative legal analyses on a range of issues in a given area, identify legal and policy issues, research for relevant precedents, and propose appropriate solutions to colleagues and clients;
• Engaging in policy discussions and negotiations with officials internally and externally, developing relationships with members of the legal profession and lawyers working in development partner agencies;
• Protecting and promoting World Bank Group's interests;
• Writing and reviewing policy papers, undertaking legal research on topics in area of concentration and contributing to dissemination of policy and best practices in a given field;
• Preparing legal briefs on diverse topics, as required;
• Participating in task/project teams and operational missions; and
• Performing ad hoc assignments as requested by the Chief Counsel.

In Relation To LEGLA, The Counsel Will Also
• Expand LEGLA portfolio of judicial engagement and capacity-building, including with respect to networks of judges and judicial training;
• Provide support to knowledge, as well as legal and judicial support functions carried out by the Legal Vice Presidency;
• Carry out project management responsibilities for the Chief Counsel, which will include helping to oversee workflow and priorities of the global legal team, as well as liaising with internal and external stakeholders to keep priorities on task and schedule;
• Constant, effective interaction with the Legal Vice Presidency Unit, communicating pertinent information across the function, on behalf of the Chief Counsel;
• Develop draft recommendations to enhance how the LEGVP can strengthen its participation in World Bank Group judicial-related and access to justice activities and agenda;
• Contribute to data collection, background research, and other inputs;
• Identify strategic fundraising opportunities, and, subject to applicable conflicts of interest rules and guidelines, conduct selected fundraising;
• Prepare legal briefs on diverse topics, as required;
• Work to advance the LEGVP’s knowledge management agenda and use of technology.
• Identify strategic partnerships for the LEGVP and external events in which the Chief Counsel can participate; and
• Any other assignments to be agreed with the Chief Counsel.

Selection Criteria

The Counsel Is Expected To Have The Following Profile
• Law degree: JD or LLB and LLM (required) SJD or PhD (desirable) and be admitted/qualified to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional legal experience.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Additional fluency in Portuguese, Spanish and/or French is highly desirable.
• Ability to formulate policy positions and draft decisions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, to build trust among peers and colleagues, to respond quickly and consistently to key issues.
• Demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives.
• Excellent workload prioritization and ability to multi-task whilst maintaining high levels of attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable with change, demonstrating resilience and ability to work at a pace.
• High degree of persuasiveness and diplomacy to generate consensus, especially on divisive legal issues.
• Can demonstrate ability to build productive relationships across all levels, with strong influencing and networking skills.
• Discrete and used to manage confidential information and projects.

Required Competencies

For the WBG core competencies: WBG CORE COMPETENCIES

General Competencies Required
• Excellent legal research, writing, drafting, analytical and communications skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent legal drafting skills, including of agreements and legal memos.
• Familiarity in the use of varied legal research sources (including electronic sources on the internet) and other databases.
• Proven ability to operate effectively as a member of one or more teams; must be a self-starter and collaborate well with others; ability to exercise sound judgment in recognizing what issues to bring to the attention of the Head of Office, and which to handle autonomously.
• Proven ability to deal sensitively in multicultural and multi-ethnic environments and build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to work under time pressure and to manage multiple tasks within tight deadlines.

Other Competencies Required
• Legal Drafting, Research and Communication: Proven ability to conduct legal research, draft legal documents, briefings and a variety of legal instruments and related documents independently. Conducts research as necessary to acquire insight and information. Is aware of the need for precision and focus on quality. Uses a writing style that is clear and precise.
• Independence: Carries out work with due care, preparing accurate documents and reports, ensuring that pertinent facts are fairly presented without seeking to obfuscate (either through too much information or withholding relevant information). Interprets information in an objective manner, exercising professional skepticism when required.
• Professional Maturity: Understands others and the reasons for their behavior. Takes the time to clarify others' points of view so that progress can be made particularly in situations of stress or conflict. Proven ability to deal sensitively and effectively across organizational boundaries, as a team member, in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues. Accepts and implements decisions made by management.
• Legal Reasoning: Breaks down problems into their component parts. Articulates the implications of situations in a step-by-step way. Remains objective when reviewing problems or situations to understand the issues. Makes sure to seek or possess all relevant facts.
• Recommends and takes decisive action: Applies critical thinking and seeks inputs and experience from others to recommend a course of action consistent with the WBG’s strategy. Evaluates risk and anticipates the short and long-term implications of decisions. Commits to a decision and takes action once a decision has been reached.
• Delivers Results for Clients: Contributes to the delivery of results for clients on complex issues. Sets challenging goals that align with the WBG mission and is always looking to improve. Understands clients’ most pressing challenges and contributes to solutions. Takes personal responsibility for producing high-quality work, identifying and informing of risks, and delivering results for clients.
• Collaborates within Teams and Across Boundaries: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for timely response to client queries, requests or needs, working to remove obstacles that may impede execution or overall success. Shares information and frames thinking/actions with a corporate perspective in mind.
• Leads and Innovates: Brings new and different insights. Applies critical thinking to current approaches, identifies areas for improvement, and tries new solutions that drive results. Considers own behavior in the context of WBG’s values and mission and recognizes the impact one has on others. Operates in ambiguity and changing needs and supports others to do the same.
• Creates, Applies and Shares Knowledge: Actively contributes to and readily applies WBG’s body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions. Contributes to the department’s and WBG’s body of knowledge by applying lessons learned and expertise. Actively invests in own knowledge and seeks feedback. Builds personal and professional networks within and beyond the work group.
• Makes Smart Decisions: Leverages available data and makes timely decisions. Seeks and analyzes facts, data and lessons of past experience to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and others’ work. Applies cost/benefit analysis to meet work program objectives. Contributes to decision-making by providing relevant risk-analysis. Shows initiative when necessary and makes decisions in a timely manner within own area of responsibility.
• Values, Leadership Potential
• Demonstrated commitment to the World Bank Core Values for WBG and a proven track record of fostering a strong and healthy culture of diversity, inclusion, teamwork, honesty, trust, openness, integrity, and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive to issues around race, gender, ethnicity, inclusion, and intersectionality.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive working environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Bank’s mission, and ability to work towards WBG's corporate targets for successful outcomes.
• A strong results-oriented mindset.

Employment Value Proposition

The World Bank Group (WBG) offers comprehensive benefits including a retirement plan; health (medical dental, pharmacy, vision), life and disability insurance; generous annual leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Please note that certain benefits may vary based on appointment type (Term or Extended-Term Consultant/Temporary; HQ or Country Office appointment). 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, ****** orientation, or disability.

The WBG aspires to remain competitive in all markets by providing compensation that attracts and retains top talent to deliver on the WBG mission of reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development.

WBG entry salaries are determined based on the grade, years of relevant experience and internal comparators. Consistent with our entry salary methodology, new hires are likely to be offered a salary between the minimum and midpoint of the salary scale for the advertised grade. In addition to the base-line salary, international staff posted to a field assignment receive generous field benefits and those at HQ receive expatriate benefits for five years, provided they are not US citizens or permanent residents.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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, ****** orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC , including our values and inspiring stories.

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