Senior Legal Assistant

World Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Bank is seeking a Senior Legal Assistant in Johannesburg to support its Legal Department's operational and advisory functions. The role entails preparing legal documentation, liaising with counsel, and managing legal issues for IFC’s projects. Candidates should hold a law degree with significant experience and strong communication skills in English and preferably French. This position is pivotal in facilitating legal support for private sector investments in emerging markets.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including retirement plan

Medical, life, and disability insurance

Paid leave including parental leave

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple, concurrent, and progressively more difficult assignments.
• Word processing experience with information databases and library sources.

Responsibilities

• Prepare supporting documentation for internal and external matters.
• Assist IFC in-house counsel with legal documentation and routine amendments.
• Identify and analyze legal and policy issues associated with projects.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills in English

Strong oral and written communication skills in French

Excellent analytical and research skills

Ability to prioritize and manage tasks effectively

Ability to work independently and take initiative

Education

Degree in Law, Business, or similar relevant qualification

Tools

Word processing and proficient computer skills

Job description

Senior Legal Assistant

Job #: req33341 Organization: IFC Sector: Legal Grade: GD Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Johannesburg,South Africa; Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French Closing Date: 6/16/2025 (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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record US$56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the Vice President and General Counsel, 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; (ii) project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation); (iii) the delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-sovereign lending, equity and quasi-equity, public-private partnerships, and carbon finance transactions; (iv) advising on corporate policy and operational matters such as operating policies and procedures; and (v) knowledge management and training. To support IFC’s growing activities in Africa, CLED is recruiting a qualified Senior Legal Assistant, to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Prepare supporting documentation for internal and external matters, e.g. powers of attorney, proxies, signature designations, counsel retainer faxes and Article III notices (notifying governments of an IFC investment);
• Assist IFC in-house counsel in preparing and reviewing legal documentation; prepare routine amendments, consents and waivers;
• Liaise with IFC external counsel, where required;
• Attend to the signing of transaction documents and completion of conditions to disbursement;
• Attend to the filing of transaction documents in accordance with IFC guidelines and practices;
• Perform other routine portfolio administration of IFC’s debt and equity investments;
• Handle and review transaction documents for IFC’s advisory program under appropriate supervision by IFC in-house counsel and follow up on the completion of any such agreements with IFC staff;
• Assist IFC in-house counsel with general tasks relating to advisory matters;
• Identify and analyze legal and policy issues associated with investment or advisory projects;
• Contribute to and support CLED’s Knowledge Management objectives.

Selection Criteria

• A degree in Law, Business, or similar relevant qualification is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in French (preferred)
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Ability to provide effective legal assistance to IFC in-house counsel by performing multiple, concurrent and progressively more difficult assignments.
• Ability to handle a diverse range of issues within tight deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and manage tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment.
• Word processing experience and proficient computer skills, particularly in using information databases, internet/intranet services and library sources.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

Learn more about working at theWorld Bank andIFC , including our values and inspiring stories.