Senior Counsel

Job Profile

The Senior Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice and services, including managing complex assignments involving multi-disciplinary teams, all in accordance with the institutional strategy and framework, to support the achievement of Private Sector long-term goals, strategic targets and annual objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy development and implementation

• Supports the Director, Private Sector-Legal in implementing the annual work program relating to the Private Sector sovereign and non-sovereign operations and ensuring the achievement of its long-term goals, strategic targets and annual objectives.

Legal advice

• Drafts, reviews, amends and negotiates the substance of agreements in one or more of the following areas: (1) private sector and trade finance loans, including the agreement for the encouragement and protection of investments/framework agreements; and (2) co-financing with other multilateral and bilateral financial institutions.
• Advises on the execution and legal validity of agreements and arrangements and reviews of external legal opinions or memoranda.  
• Provides legal services and advice to the OPEC Fund’s stakeholders on the development of new lending products, including participating in the design of such products and legal matters related to loan operations.
• Participates in the missions, committees or working groups of the OPEC Fund as directed by the General Counsel or as appointed by the President.

Research and analysis

• Identifies issues of importance on legal matters in any aspect related to the OPEC Fund’s operations and conducts research, analysis and studies on a wide range of legal issues, including interpretation of legal instruments, and brings them to the attention of the Director, Private Sector-Legal together with recommendations thereon.

Risk management

• Monitors and signals deviations in the application of frameworks, contracts, policies and processes related to the legal/compliance/risks of Private Sector sovereign and non-sovereign operations, and if necessary, takes corrective measures.

Leadership and direction

• Participates in the exchange of ideas and knowledge sharing to facilitate the broadening of the skills of the legal team and assists the Director, Private Sector-Legal in ensuring skills transfers among counsels within a formal or informal mentoring or facilitation program.

Stakeholder management and engagement

• As assigned by the General Counsel, represents the OPEC Fund in any external legal proceedings and liaises with external counsels. 
• Works with external stakeholders (the senior representatives of co-lenders/ investment funds, partners and external counsels as required and authorized officials of partner countries/ institutions) and internal stakeholders (e.g. all OPEC Fund departments/ units on the subject of legal services and advice on an ongoing basis).

Knowledge management

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the knowledge assets of the department and the document management systems and related materials. 

Carries out other tasks assigned by the Director, Private Sector-Legal that are related to the job functions. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in in law and admission to the Bar or equivalent
• A minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience, with a minumum of 3 years of working experience at an international development finance institution/international law firm.
• Fluent in English. 

Competencies

• Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role.
• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities. 
• Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences.
• Customer Centricity - The ability to focus on comprehending and addressing customer needs; consistently deliver exceptional service and foster strong, lasting customer relationships. 
• Cross-Cultural Sensitivity - The ability to take into account the variety of the human experience and how it contributes to the workplace and to demonstrate respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints.