Legal Officer, Finance & Impact Investments

Organizational context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and  advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Post's organizational accountability

The P-3 Legal Officer post is at the full working level in the field of general legal services.  At this level Legal Officers require a complete, in-depth knowledge of the technical concepts and tools of the legal profession. They have the capacity to adapt approaches and models to meet emerging needs and to ensure the continuing relevance of the Office of the General Counsel to the Fund and external partners. The key results and accountabilities include:

• Research and Analysis
• Legal Advice and Opinions
• Legal Instruments and Documents
• Knowledge Management

The Legal Officer works under the general guidance and supervision of the General Counsel, and plays an important role in supporting the legal framework of IFAD’s operations. The assigned work is accomplished independently where precedent and/or practice exist, and any complex and/or sensitive issues are brought to the attention to the General Counsel.

Key results expected / Major functional activities

1. Research and Analysis:  Conducts research and analysis, and prepares studies, reports and correspondence on legal issues concerning the operations of the Fund.  Provides interpretation of legal instruments, such as treaties, constitutions, statutes, rules and regulations, and other legal materials relevant to IFAD’s work, including regulatory and market analysis.

2. Legal Advice and Opinions:  Provides legal advice and opinions on issues concerning the operations of IFAD, and assists departments, divisions and units of IFAD on all legal matters, including advice on legal aspects of the design and implementation of finance and impact investment policies, procedures and projects.  Provides legal advice to internal committees and interdepartmental meetings including relating to IFAD's financial architecture and Treasury matters, as well as assistance in resolving procedural and substantive issues at meetings.

3. Legal Instruments and Documents:  Prepares, and reviews drafts of, legal instruments and documents, such as contracts related to ISDAs, account documentation, investment fund matters, diversified borrowing and the like, as well as internal rules and regulations related to capital adequacy, liquidity, asset and liability management and the like, and other legal materials related to IFAD’s operations.

4. Knowledge Management:  Shares the results of legal research and analysis with colleagues in the Office of the General Counsel, and ensures that legal opinions and instruments prepared are readily available for use by colleagues through proper entry in the legal files and/or database of the Office, as appropriate.

5. Managerial Functions: The incumbent is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of assigned IFAD resources, including, as applicable, staff supervised.

6. Performs other related duties as assigned by the General Counsel, which may include legal work related to institutional and administrative matters such as the replenishment of IFAD’s resources, investment of funds, personnel issues, procurement, and relationships with the host country and other Member States, the United Nations and other international organisations, cooperating institutions, and other entities.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

From the perspective of a seasoned Legal Officer, the impact of the work performed has a direct effect on the professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of the Office of the General Counsel for high quality work in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to emerging issues and changing client needs. The impact of actions at this level goes beyond the division. The incumbent follows established procedures but has the ability to make proposals to enhance procedures and systems. Decisions are made on the interpretation of legal texts and the presentation of alternative courses of action to the General Counsel or other requesters of legal advice.  Proposals are made concerning the content and approach of research studies, and improvements to agreements, administrative policies and procedures.

Representation / Work relationships

Representational functions of the P-3 Legal Officer include participating in the negotiation of financing agreements and contracts, consulting with counterparts in other organizations related to IFAD’s operations, and presenting IFAD’s position in interagency meetings and working groups.  The Legal Officer also represents the Office of the General Counsel at interdepartmental meetings.

Work relationships are established and maintained with counterparts, both inside the Fund and in government agencies and other international organizations, to discuss and provide interpretation of legal texts and to render advice and assistance in resolving procedural and substantive matters. Exchange of information typically requires proactivity to clearly establish the policy, positions or practices of the Fund.

Competencies

Organizational: 

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Personal leadership and attitude to change (Level 1)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge and innovates (Level 1)
• Focusing on clients: Focuses on clients (Level 1)
• Problem solving and decision making: Demonstrates sound problem solving and decision making ability (Level 1)
• Managing time, resources and information: Manages own time, information and resources effectively (Level 1)
• Team Work: Contributes effectively to the team (Level 1)
• Communicating and negotiating: Communicates effectively: creates understanding between self and others (Level 1)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships (Level 1)
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively (Level 1)

Technical/Functional:

• Thorough knowledge of the legal profession, with good knowledge of international law.
• Skill in applying legal concepts and principles to complex issues and actively develop alternatives / proposals for the provision of a broad range of lebal services.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet emerging challenges in the Fund or legal field and propose changes.
• Communication skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives.
• Skilled in identifying and developing networks to promote the Fund’s objectives and identification as a competent and trusted partner.
• Ability to contribute to formulation of strategies and policies.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

 Education:

• Advanced university degree or eequivalent from an accredited institution in a relevant field of law such as international, administrative, commercial, economics or other related legal field. License to practice law in an IFAD member state is required.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the analysis of legal documents, research on legal practices and precedents, and the application of legal principles and concepts needed to perform the assigned activities. At least two of the five years experience should be at the international level in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.