Chief Counsel

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The World Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency (LEG) provides legal advice and support on operational, advisory, financial, administrative, and institutional matters, and helps ensure that World Bank activities comply with the Institution’s Articles of Agreement, policies, and procedures. Its regional Operational Practice Groups support the legal and policy aspects of the World Bank’s lending operations. The Chief Counsel leads LEG’s support for World Bank operational programs in the assigned regions. This requisition covers two positions: Chief Counsel AFW/MENAAP, based in Washington, DC, and Chief Counsel ECA, based in Vienna, Austria. The Chief Counsel collaborates with other LEG practice groups and staff, manages a team of legal and operational staff, sets annual objectives, distributes assignments, oversees quality control and performance management, and participates in the relevant Regional Leadership Team. The Chief Counsel reports directly to the Deputy General Counsel (DGC) Operations and serves on LEG’s Management Team under the general supervision of the Senior Vice President and Group General Counsel. The role provides legal leadership and practical guidance to operational clients and senior management, supports staff development and knowledge-sharing, and represents LEG on operational matters as designated.

Requirements

JD, LL.M, SJD, or equivalent professional qualification.
Admission to the Bar or equivalent.
At least 12 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience.
Thorough understanding of WBG strategies and operational priorities and the role of the legal function in advancing them.
Proven leadership across a wide variety of World Bank operational matters, with intellectual leadership and a record of providing technically excellent, innovative, timely, and practical advice and solutions.
Ability to resolve highly complex legal issues and meet the strategic, operational, and transactional needs of the World Bank.
Strategic planning skills, in-depth understanding of legal and relevant World Bank operational policies and risks, and ability to guide policy and strategy development.
Exceptional leadership skills, including leading transformative change, developing creative and innovative solutions, coaching, mentoring, advising, and transferring knowledge across a large organization.
Strong record of integrity, interpersonal and people leadership skills, team building, and fostering a mutually supportive and enabling work environment that delivers results.
Ability to work effectively with colleagues and integrate work across multiple business units covering diverse activities.
Receptivity to feedback and constructive criticism; outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Commitment to World Bank Core Values and a record of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, teamwork, honesty, trust, openness, integrity, and accountability.
Sensitivity to issues involving race, gender, ethnicity, inclusion, and belonging.
Ability to lead and inspire staff, support their development through coaching and mentorship, and recognize their accomplishments.
Commitment to the World Bank’s mission, a Bank-first attitude, and ability to work toward WBG corporate targets.
Strong results-oriented mindset and ability to take informed risks and make timely, transparent decisions.
Demonstrated WBG core competencies: client orientation, drive for results, teamwork and collaboration, knowledge, learning and communication, and business judgment and analytical decision-making.
This internal requisition is open only to WBG and IMF staff, including short-term and extended-term consultants and temporaries; external candidates are not eligible to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Expertise and knowledge of the World Bank Group and International Financial Institutions.
In-depth knowledge, technical expertise, and experience with World Bank operations.
Experience working in a country office environment.
Experience working in more than one world region.
Experience in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent contexts is encouraged to be highlighted where applicable.
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries.
Responsible use of digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Oversee the provision of legal advice, services, support, and guidance to World Bank operations in the assigned regions.
Set standards for and supervise the delivery of effective, efficient, timely, and practical legal advice and services, including organizing staff to develop and maintain a strong understanding of country and regional strategies and priorities.
Support, coach, mentor, and guide staff; oversee the planning and performance of their responsibilities, including knowledge dissemination, knowledge-sharing, thought leadership, and training in collaboration with IFC and MIGA staff as appropriate.
Work with DGCs, other LEG Chief Counsels, and LEG staff to advise the World Bank General Counsel and Senior Management on policies, directives, procedures, and guidance, including their application to World Bank operations and the WBG.
Under the guidance of the DGC Operations and in coordination with LEG Management, provide intellectual and strategic leadership and advice on matters relevant to LEG’s functions and support across the WBG.
Lead consultations and negotiations and represent LEG in the international community on operational matters as designated by the DGC Operations or World Bank General Counsel.
Ensure effective legal support to operational clients and the integrity and accuracy of legal documents submitted to the Board or Regional Management for approval.
Represent LEG at Senior Management meetings on operational matters when the DGC Operations is absent.
Lead by example with a collaborative, team-oriented approach and foster those values in others.
Carry out other responsibilities or functions specified by the DGC Operations or World Bank General Counsel.
Manage staff, set annual objectives, distribute assignments, conduct quality control, and oversee performance management.