Grade: IS - 5

Deadline: 26 December 2019 (11:59 PM KST)

The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate change while bringing prosperity to their peoples.

Established in 2010, the GCF invests in transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes an ambitious contribution to global climate action and channels significant financial resources into developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies.  It is country-driven and undertakes actions that reflect the circumstances of each country concerned and its national aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Since its establishment, the GCF has approved 111 projects in 99 countries and has committed USD 5.0 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive program to support developing countries to identify their needs, in particular, those who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

The GCF’s diverse workforce is advancing its mission from its headquarters in South Korea. Our talented staff makes unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional commitment.

Position description 

The Senior Legal Counsel will assist the Associate General Counsel in coordinating the legal work related to institutional matters of the Fund. This includes legal advice and support on the Fund’s governance framework human resources intellectual property, privileges and immunities, policies, instructions, guidelines as well as draft board decisions.  The Senior Legal Counsel will also play an integral role in mediation, arbitration, and litigation. S/he will provide legal advice and support relating to the drafting, reviewing and negotiating of agreements in non-project and operational matters in which the fund is engaged.

Duties and responsibilities

Purpose

• Assist the Associate General Counsel to coordinate the work of the institutional team in administrative matters related to the Fund’s Governance Framework its Governing Instrument, Procedural Rules human resources, intellectual property and procurement issues interpretation and application of policies;
• Assist the Associate General Counsel in negotiating international agreements including privileges and immunities and all contractual arrangements with counterparties which do not involve project or grant activities. This includes memoranda of understanding, exchange of letters, other general cooperation agreements;
• Solution-oriented and the ability to think creatively so as to resolve complex issues which arise from time to time in the course of transactions; and
• Keep abreast of developments in the legal field especially in relation to international administrative law;
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Associate General Counsel and the General Counsel.

Engagement

• Provide legal support to other divisions on matters relating to the institutional and governance issues affecting the Fund;
• Coordinate, under the supervision of the Associate General Counsel, the work of Associate Counsel, consultants and interns within the institutional division of the Office of the General Counsel;
• Provide legal support and advice to Legal Counsel, Associate Counsel, consultants and interns within the institutional division of the Office of the General Counsel;
• Participate in GCF’s Board meetings and other events and meetings of the GCF. This may include the preparation and review of relevant documentation, supervision of the work done by Associate Counsel and Legal Counsel, consultants and interns, and making presentations to internal and external bodies;
• Liaise with other offices and departments within the GCF in order to assess and address their requirements, to advise on the drafting of legal documents;

Delivery

• Timely delivery of review of all agreements relating to the institutional issues affecting all proposals and other legal documents necessary for the Fund’s legal and policy framework
• Thorough, accurate and timely delivery of all the aforesaid agreements,
• Applying creative solutions to common issues which arises in transactions from time to time
• Keeping the senior officers within the Office of General Counsel on the latest trends/developments in multilateral finance.
• Sound and practical legal advice on the legal policy framework and advice regarding the institutional and administrative operations of the Fund within the context of the Governing Instrument and Rules and Procedure of the Fund.
• Accountability in the supervision of the delivery of work product in respect of officers under his/her charge.

Required experience and qualifications*

• Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree (a higher degree in law is an advantage);
• Qualification to practice law in at least one jurisdiction;
• At least 11 years of relevant work experience practicing law in cross-border transactions involving debt and/or equity with a well-recognized law firm, an international financial institution and/or a development institution;
• Experience working on novel areas of law, or innovative and/or complex financial transactions is an advantage;
• Solid legal drafting skills specifically of drafting financing agreements;
• Experience liaising with, and advising, senior members of staff; experience advising management is an advantage;
• Experience managing the work of lawyers and interns is an advantage;
• Experience in, or working with, developing countries; and
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

 *The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged.