Principal, Counsel (Equity Funds)

EBRD; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

EBRD's Office of the General Counsel is seeking a Counsel in the Equity Unit, based in London. The role focuses on representing EBRD's equity and equity fund transactions across its regions, drafting and negotiating documents, and coordinating with external law firms.

The ideal candidate has a law degree, at least five years of international experience, strong English drafting skills, and proven negotiation and project management abilities to support EBRD's investment activities.

Qualifications

• A law degree.
• At least five years of experience in international law firms, the in‑house legal department of a commercial/investment bank, or international organisation (including EBRD).
• Professional experience as a lawyer working on private equity funds investing in EBRD’s countries of operations.
• Experience in one or more of EBRD’s countries of operations would be an asset.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Have principal responsibility for a number of EBRD's equity and equity fund transactions across the operating region.
• Contribute to knowledge management within OGC; and
• Help carry out EBRD's policy mandate in its equity operations, ensuring compliance with policy requirements.

Skills

English proficiency

Negotiation

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Law degree

Job description

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EBRD’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is at the core of EBRD’s mandate to build sustainable and open market economies in the jurisdictions where it operates, ranging from Central and Eastern Europe and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia. EBRD has also recently expanded its activities to 6 countries in the Sub‑Saharan Africa region. Deploying more than €15 billion of financing each year, EBRD is a leader in climate finance, including investments in renewables, green bonds and energy efficiency programs. It also supports small and medium-sized enterprises, infrastructure projects, local manufacturers and many others, with a focus on promoting the sustainable development of the private sector.

The Office of the General Counsel handles all legal aspects of EBRD’s lending and investment transactions, provides legal advice for institutional and administrative matters and supports EBRD’s policy development in its region through its legal transition program.

OGC is currently recruiting for a Counsel position in the Equity Unit within the Banking Operations group. The position will focus primarily on EBRD’s investments in equity funds investing in the EBRD’s countries of operations. The position will be based in London.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Counsels in the Equity Unit within the Banking Operations group:

• Have principal responsibility for a number of EBRD's equity and equity fund transactions throughout EBRD’s operating region, requiring structuring transactions, selecting and managing external law firms, drafting and negotiating transaction documents and assisting with the full project lifecycle;
• Contribute to the knowledge management activities of OGC; and
• Help carry out EBRD's policy mandate in its equity operations, with a view to ensuring compliance with EBRD’s environmental and other policy requirements.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have:

• A law degree ;
• At least five years of experience in his/her area of responsibility gained in an international law firm, the in‑house legal department of a commercial/investment bank, or international organisation (including EBRD);
• Relevant professional experience as a lawyer working on private equity funds investing in EBRD’s countries of operations;
• Professional experience gained in one or more of EBRD’s countries of operations would be an asset ;
• An excellent command of the English language, including excellent skills to draft and negotiate legal documents in English ; and
• Excellent negotiation and project management skills as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in.
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness.
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio‑economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

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