Associate Corporate Legal

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An international financial institution is seeking an Associate for its Corporate team. This role involves providing specialist legal advice, drafting and negotiating legal documentation, and liaising with external counsel. The ideal candidate should possess a law degree, significant post-qualification experience, and strong project management skills. A good command of English and knowledge of international administrative law are essential. This position offers a hybrid working environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for global engagement

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably in international organisations.
• Good knowledge of international administrative law and its implications on employment relationships.
• Demonstrated readiness to work in international development environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice in a multi-disciplinary operational team.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation.
• Monitor and review the work of outside counsel.
• Conduct legal research as instructed by counsel.

Skills

Legal research

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Written English proficiency

Multilingual capabilities (Arabic, French, Russian, Ukrainian)

Education

Law degree from a leading university

Postgraduate law degree

Job description

The Associate is a member of the Corporate team of the Office of the General Counsel ("OGC").

The Associate supports the Corporate Team within OGC by assisting the members of such team in the provision of all relevant legal services in their areas of responsibility (primarily employment and institutional matters), ensuring the highest standards of documentation, protection of EBRD's interests and compliance with EBRD's mandate, policies, and procedures.

Typical responsibilities of the Corporate Team include: dealing with contentious staff matters under international administrative law; providing advice on the development and implementation of EBRD’s internal employment law as well as other institutional policies and directives, providing advice and making representations on EBRD’s status as an international organisation and the application of its privileges and immunities.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Provides specialist legal advice in a multi-disciplinary operational team with a view to protect EBRD’s interests and ensure compliance with EBRD’s internal policies. Assists counsel in all aspects of their work. On simple matters advises clients under the general supervision of counsel and on more complex matters under their close supervision.
• Drafts, reviews, comments on and negotiates legal documentation, subject to further review and comments from counsel, with a view to eliminate legal risks and ensure adherence to EBRD standards. Analyses legal risks and recommends solutions for the consideration of counsel.
• Monitors and reviews the work of outside counsel within the framework agreed with counsel. Carries out the initial review of their work products and discusses comments with counsel.
• Develops and preserves thorough knowledge of EBRD’s internal policies, procedures and templates with a view to ensure compliance of activities with such policies, procedures and templates. Follows up on legal developments in jurisdictions where EBRD operates.
• Follows up on the deliverables and deadlines for a portfolio of activities in order to ensure their timely completion. Identifies and flags potential threats in a timely manner to avoid delays.
• Is a primary point of contact for small scale standard activities, with guidance from counsel where needed.
• Conducts legal research, as instructed by counsel.
• Where applicable, assists counsel in carrying out OGC led activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

A law degree from a leading university in his or her home country and a post graduate law degree from a leading university, or work experience gained, in each case, in a country other than his or her home country.

A good knowledge of and an interest for:

• matters relating to privileges and immunities of international organisations (exemption from taxation, archival immunity, jurisdictional immunity, etc…) and of other matters typically falling within the remit of the Corporate team of the legal service of an international organisation (governance issues, assistance to the office of the Secretary General);
• international administrative law and the law applicable to the employment relationship between an international organisation and its staff members
• Typically a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years of legal post‑qualification experience or equivalent legal experience. Legal experience in the Bank’s countries/regions of operations is preferable. Prior experience in an international financial institution or international organisation would be an asset.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Additional highly preferred languages include Arabic, French, Russian and Ukrainian.
• Demonstrated readiness to work in the Bank’s countries/regions of operations and a keen interest in international development.
• Excellent project management skills, ability to monitor and follow up on many activities concurrently under time constraints and ability to understand and manage priorities. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to explain legal matters and provide guidance in resolving legal issues.

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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