Counsel / Senior Counsel - Equity & Funds Practice

World Bank Group•Washington, DC

About The Position

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 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 International Finance Corporation (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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, Legal Institution and Risk Governance, 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. To support IFC’s growing activities across regions, sectors and practices CLED is recruiting a Counsel or Senior Counsel primarily to support two Legal Practice areas: 1) Equity practice and 2) the Funds Practice. The lawyer will report to the AGC, Legal Practices. Equity investing, across industries and sectors, is a core element of IFC’s strategy. Equity investments provide developmental support and long-term growth capital. IFC invests directly in companies’ and financial institutions’ equity and also through private-equity funds, in addition to mobilizing capital. IFC’s Funds practice backs promising local firms that would typically lack access to finance. IFC’s Venture Capital practice supports early-stage ventures in developing countries that are creating new markets, transforming industries, and driving inclusive growth while realizing strong returns. IFC invests in entrepreneurs and partners with venture capital funds to support a tech-enabled venture asset class. 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.

Requirements

Law degree, qualification to practise law in at least one jurisdiction, plus at least 8-10 years (for Counsel) of relevant sector experience including deep experience relevant to equity and funds.
Excellent legal analytical skill, responsiveness, reliability, sound judgment, and a positive work attitude are key requirements for the role.
Willingness to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges independently.
Ability to assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make fair, well- reasoned, independent and transparent decisions, and escalate appropriately.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to deal sensitivity in a multicultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues across the Corporation.
Excellent communications skills in English, ability to present both written and oral ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively.
Willingness to travel frequently and on short notice.
Professional integrity and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.

Responsibilities

Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments globally and across the IFC Regions, with a focus on equity and funds transactions across all industry sectors with a focus on the Disruptive Technology services and Funds Department (“CSF”) but also supporting manufacturing, agribusiness and services, financial institutions, infrastructure in their equity and funds projects.
Provide advice on equity, quasi equity, mezzanine products, co-investment, venture capital across sectors and regions.
Provide support to teams performing Upstream and Mainstream advisory services.
Act as project lawyer on other transactions as required.
Interact with colleagues in all regions, including providing support on projects and to share knowledge and experience gained across regions.
Mentor and coach business colleagues.
Assist in designing and delivering trainings for colleagues in CLED, IFC staff and external.
Advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters.
Provide general legal advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business.
Build strong knowledge about legal systems and IFC’s business (including developing subject matter expertise).
Advise on the selection of outside counsel for IFC projects, manage outside counsel and legal costs.

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.

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