Job Description
Principal Counsel
• Job #:
- req32531
• Organization:
- IFC
• Sector:
- Legal
• Grade:
- GH
• Term Duration:
- 3 years 0 months
• Recruitment Type:
- International Recruitment
• Location:
- Mumbai,India
• Required Language(s):
- English
• Preferred Language(s):
• Closing Date:
- 4/18/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
• 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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, Legal and Compliance Risk, provides 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; and (v) knowledge management and training.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy which has resulted in IFC doubling our financing volume in the past three years. With India as IFC’s largest portfolio country—accounting for US$9.8 billion (over 11% of total IFC exposure), our engagement in India has expanded significantly. Annual commitments have grown by more than 223% from US$1.3 billion in FY22 to a record US$4.2 billion in FY24 and US$4.5 billion in FY25 (YTD), with substantial investments in climate and gender-focused initiatives. IFC continues to build its equity program in India and currently, 31% of IFC’s portfolio exposure in India is equity, compared to 17% globally. IFC has also been at the forefront of introducing and scaling innovative financing solutions in India. From pioneering investments in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to structuring first-of-its-kind securitization transactions, IFC has consistently worked to deepen capital markets and enhance financial access to the underserved in India. IFC plans to continue to scale its impact in India with innovative solutions and planned delivery between US$4-5 billion annually.
To support IFC’s activities in India, the IFC Legal Department is recruiting a Principal Counsel, to be based in Mumbai, India. The position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, Asia.
• Roles and Responsibilities
- Act as an anchor for proving support to Management on India related matters including advice in relation to regulatory and institutional matters and new initiatives.
- Provide leadership in resolving legal, policy and deal structuring issues associated with equity investments in India.
- Provide legal advice in complex and novel projects and products in India.
- 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 (transport, power and renewable energy and natural resources projects), funds, and blended finance.
- Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including C3P projects in Asia.
- Work closely with client departments on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.
- Advise on the selection of outside counsel in Asia, manage outside counsel and legal costs.
- Interact and communicate with colleagues in other regions to facilitate the provision of excellent legal services in Asia, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington D.C. and other regions working on projects in Asia.
- Mentor and coach more junior legal and business colleagues in the Asia region, provide leadership in designing and delivering trainings as well as sharing knowledge.
- Take leadership on and advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters.
- Provide general advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in Asia.
- Build strong knowledge about business in Asia and effectively share knowledge and best practice.
• Selection Criteria
- Qualifi
• Job #:
- req32531
• Organization:
- IFC
• Sector:
- Legal
• Grade:
- GH
• Term Duration:
- 3 years 0 months
• Recruitment Type:
- International Recruitment
• Location:
- Mumbai,India
• Required Language(s):
- English
• Preferred Language(s):
• Closing Date:
- 4/18/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
• 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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.
The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, Legal and Compliance Risk, provides 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; and (v) knowledge management and training.
IFC has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy which has resulted in IFC doubling our financing volume in the past three years. With India as IFC’s largest portfolio country—accounting for US$9.8 billion (over 11% of total IFC exposure), our engagement in India has expanded significantly. Annual commitments have grown by more than 223% from US$1.3 billion in FY22 to a record US$4.2 billion in FY24 and US$4.5 billion in FY25 (YTD), with substantial investments in climate and gender-focused initiatives. IFC continues to build its equity program in India and currently, 31% of IFC’s portfolio exposure in India is equity, compared to 17% globally. IFC has also been at the forefront of introducing and scaling innovative financing solutions in India. From pioneering investments in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to structuring first-of-its-kind securitization transactions, IFC has consistently worked to deepen capital markets and enhance financial access to the underserved in India. IFC plans to continue to scale its impact in India with innovative solutions and planned delivery between US$4-5 billion annually.
To support IFC’s activities in India, the IFC Legal Department is recruiting a Principal Counsel, to be based in Mumbai, India. The position will report to the Assistant General Counsel, Asia.
• Roles and Responsibilities
- Act as an anchor for proving support to Management on India related matters including advice in relation to regulatory and institutional matters and new initiatives.
- Provide leadership in resolving legal, policy and deal structuring issues associated with equity investments in India.
- Provide legal advice in complex and novel projects and products in India.
- 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 (transport, power and renewable energy and natural resources projects), funds, and blended finance.
- Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services, including C3P projects in Asia.
- Work closely with client departments on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.
- Advise on the selection of outside counsel in Asia, manage outside counsel and legal costs.
- Interact and communicate with colleagues in other regions to facilitate the provision of excellent legal services in Asia, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington D.C. and other regions working on projects in Asia.
- Mentor and coach more junior legal and business colleagues in the Asia region, provide leadership in designing and delivering trainings as well as sharing knowledge.
- Take leadership on and advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters.
- Provide general advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in Asia.
- Build strong knowledge about business in Asia and effectively share knowledge and best practice.
• Selection Criteria
- Qualifi
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Counsel position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Mumbai offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.