Chief Counsel, Operations Policy and Partnerships

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

About The Position

The World Bank Group (WBG) 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 WBG 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. In the context of the WBG's broad development agenda, the Legal Vice Presidency (LEG), under the Senior Vice President and Group General Counsel (SVP/GCG), is responsible for providing legal advice and support to internal and external both World Bank and, where pertinent, more broadly WBG clients on operational, advisory, financial, administration, and institutional matters. In addition, LEG helps to ensure that all World Bank activities comply with the Articles of Agreement of all WBG institutions, policies and procedures. Organizationally, LEG includes geographically based regional Operational Practice Groups devoted to the legal and policy aspects of the World Bank's lending and technical assistance operations, and Corporate Practice Groups, which provide advice on corporate finance, policy and partnerships, and administrative and institutional matters. Chief Counsel - Legal Operations Policy and Partnerships. The Chief Counsel oversees and manages the Legal Operations Policy and Partnerships unit (LEGOP) and its staff. LEGOP provides legal advice and expertise on operations policy and strategy formulation and interpretation, the establishment of institutional partnerships, and the consistent management of legal risks. The Chief Counsel provides intellectual and strategic leadership and advice to the SVP/GGC on all matters relevant to LEGOP’s portfolio, including cross‑cutting corporate and operational issues. The Chief Counsel is also the principal legal counterpart in coordinating and ensuring the provision of LEG’s support and legal advice to the Board’s Committee on Development Effectiveness, the Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) Vice President, the FCV Director, the WBG Strategy Director, the WBG Outcomes Director, the Independent Evaluation Group, the Departments of Trust Funds and Partners Relations, and Loans and Financing Operations on matters within the purview of LEGOP. S/he represents LEG in relevant committees and meetings organizes by or chaired by the VP OPCS. For consistency of legal strategies and approaches in cross-cutting policy, partnership, strategy and legal risks matters, the Chief Counsel collaborates and coordinates across IBRD/IDA, IFC and MIGA with relevant counterparts as appropriate. The Chief Counsel reports directly to the SVP/GCG and serves as a core member of Legal Management Team.

Requirements

Professional qualifications must include JD, LL.M, SJD or equivalent.
At least 12 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience, including experience in the matters described as within the function of LEGOP above.
Expertise and knowledge of WBG and IFIs; in-depth knowledge and experience with WBG operations as well as the partnerships portfolio will be a strong advantage.
Proven ability to provide strategic and intellectual leadership on a wide variety of policy and partnerships matters and demonstrated ability to provide internal and external counterparts with technically sound, innovative, timely and practical advice and solutions to meet the needs of the Bank’s strategic and operational priorities and particular transactions, and to resolve complex legal issues.
Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills, including proven ability to effectively implement complex and transformative change management initiatives.
Proven track record of building and managing teams, mentoring, coaching and empowering staff to work independently and think creatively about development and other challenges facing the organization, provide support for learning and professional development, and prepare them to take on increasing responsibilities and adapt to change.
Proven ability to effectively work with colleagues and integrate the work of multiple business units covering diverse activities.
Receptivity to feedback and constructive criticism; outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
Has the ability to create a thoughtful strategy for generating consensus both inside and outside the Bank on divisive legal issues; is able to lead and handle negotiations diplomatically. Recognizes that there are times when negotiation calls for an approach that is both principled yet flexible. Reaches out to colleagues to test strategy. Is seen as trustworthy by all those involved. Is able to lead complex negotiations

Nice To Haves

Expertise and knowledge of WBG and IFIs; in-depth knowledge and experience with WBG operations as well as the partnerships portfolio will be a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

Organizing, managing, and mentoring staff in LEGOP to deliver legal services
Provide legal advice and collaborate with OPCS and other corporate units on the design and consistent implementation and interpretation of operations policies, directives, procedures and guidance
Collaborate with and advise the FCV Department and OPCS on the development and implementation of the WBG FCV strategy and its implementation plan
Lead and coordinate LEG’s contributions to the modernization of operations delivery led by OPCS, including through harmonization across the WBG and with other development partners.
Develop and update standard terms and model forms for all Bank financing operations and advisory services in coordination with other relevant corporate units
Provide expert legal advice on procurement policy and operational procurement matters, including to the Chief Procurement Officer and operational teams
Advise on the implementation and interpretation of the Anti-Corruption Guidelines (ACGs) and support LEG staff to ensure their consistent application in operations, develop guidance and training for staff and governments; and provide advisory services to support reforms of integrity legislation.
Advise on development and implementation of WBG strategies and their implementation plans.
Handle all negotiations of institutional co-financing arrangements, including co-financing framework agreements, procurement framework agreements and MOUs with multilateral and bilateral co-financing partners, in collaboration with the Development Finance Vice Presidency, OPCS and other corporate units, and advise corporate and operational staff on legal and policy aspects of co-financing as they apply to institutional relations and specific operations.
Advise on the establishment and management of institutional partnerships in collaboration with relevant WBG legal and operational units
Develop, update and oversee the implementation of the Bank’s legal risk management framework, including the development of systems and training to embed a risk-based approach in the delivery of legal services.
Model exemplary WBG leadership values and managerial behavior and reinforce these qualities in the management team and staff.
Infuse LEGOP with a spirit of innovation, change-management and efficiency to advance the strategic priorities of LEG and the WBG.
Contribute to and implement and monitor compliance with talent management, diversity, and inclusion plans.
Drive and encourage technical excellence by creating an environment of learning and innovation that attracts and develops the best talent reflective of the diversity of our clients.
Coordinate and support the legal management in developing and implementing appropriate strategies for global staffing, deployment, staff learning and development as well as career progression and talent and performance management.
Engage with WB, IFC and MIGA Management and staff to foster an atmosphere of shared commitment to common goals and objectives and continued knowledge generation and learning within the Group Legal Function.
Ensure timely flow, capture, codification and dissemination of knowledge and expertise so that clients receive the highest quality support and knowledge.
Support the coordination of innovative and cross-cutting research, as well as the dissemination of technical and experiential knowledge and learning.
Manage the budget allocated for the LEGOP unit.
Ensure Legal Management accountability for delivering the agreed-upon work program through cost effective use of resources (human and budget) within the agreed parameters and in compliance with internal WBG fiduciary and safeguard controls and policies and ensures timely delivery and overall quality of outputs.

Benefits

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.

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