Legal Counsel - Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia

Legal Counsel - Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia Job #: req34098 Organization: IFC Sector: Legal Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Istanbul,Turkiye Required Language(s): English, Turkish Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 9/3/2025 (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. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. 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, 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 activities in Europe (“EUR”) as well as in the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan region (“MCT”), the IFC Legal Department is recruiting legal counsel, to be based in Istanbul, Turkey. The position will report to the Assistant General Counsel for Europe, Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan.  The Istanbul Office is a regional hub for IFC in the MCT region serving the broader region of MCT/EUR  in the  legal domain. While the position will be based in Istanbul, the following Terms of Reference will relate to work in the two regions described above, allowing rich cross border experience. We are looking to enrich our Istanbul hub with a talented legal team, interacting very closely with our other regional legal and business teams in Vienna, Amman and Dubai, as well as teams in other regions and in Headquarters/Washington D.C.  Role and Responsibilities:
-  Provide advice and support to investment clients in debt and equity, project and corporate financings involving multiple financiers in a broad range of sectors,  with a focus on financial institutions, capital markets and structured finance; -  Assume primary lawyer responsibility for new and portfolio investments and advisory services in EUR & MCT; -  Work closely with client departments as needed, as they embark on identifying and assessing Upstream opportunities and advise on the design and implementation of scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets;  -  Advise on the selection of outside counsel in EUR & MCT, manage outside counsel and legal costs effectively; -  Interact and communicate with colleagues in Washington and other regions to facilitate the provision of excellent legal services in EUR & MCT, including providing advice and support to colleagues in Washington and other regions working on projects in EUR & MCT; -  Provide leadership in designing and delivering trainings; -  Take leadership on and advise internal clients on institutional and corporate matters; -  Provide general advice and support with respect to all aspects of IFC’s business in EUR & MCT; -  Build strong knowledge about business in the EUR & MCT regions and effectively share knowledge and best practices; and  -  Use language skills to facilitate communication with external clients from the region. 

Selection Criteria

-  Qualified to practice law (admitted to the bar) in at least one of the jurisdictions of the EUR or MCT region; -  solid experience in one other relevant jurisdiction In EUR or MCT  or an LL.M. or Master’s degree in Law from an internationally well-known educational institution is a plus; -  8-10 years of relevant experience in cross border transactions, including experience at a leading law firm in the EUR or MCT region and/or at an international financial institution and/or development institution, preferably in developing countries, including:  (i) experience  working independently on complex capital market transactions(including, bonds, MRELS, securitizations), Significant Risk Transfers as well as corporate and project finance, blended finance, and debt and equity financings), (ii) knowledge of insolvency laws, regulations and restructuring options in at least one of the countries of the MCT/EUR region, (iii) experience in advising clients on structuring, innovation and policy matters; and (iv) demonstrated ability to take a leadership role in non-project assignments and initiatives on legal subject matters; -  Demonstrated ability to assume multiple roles and tasks to meet changing business needs with an ability to foresee, troubleshoot and effectively resolve conflicting issues and challenges; -  Demonstrated ability to assess risk in a practical and responsible manner and make fair, well-reasoned, independent and transparent decisions; -  Familiarity with IFC’s business and policies;  -  Understanding of IFC’s strategic priorities and changing business model; -  Demonstrated commitment to World Bank Group core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.-  Record of professional excellence. 

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 the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.