Associate Counsel (hire 3 positions)

Grade: IS - 2

Deadline: 24 August 2022 (11:59 PM KST)

Location: Songdo, Incheon, South Korea

Job Category: International

Salary: USD 87,700 net (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as appliable): Relocation, dependency, education assistance and home country travel)

The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate change while bringing prosperity to their people. 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 192 projects in 123 countries and has committed USD 10.1 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 Objective

OGC is responsible for protecting the legal interests of GCF and advises on methods to limit GCF’s risk exposure appropriately. It prepares or reviews documents which create and define the legal rights or obligations of GCF. The Associate Counsel will be part of the Office of the General Counsel providing legal support to the GCF on operational matters. The work of the Office of the General Counsel in such matters includes: negotiating accreditation master agreements; conducting legal due diligence and advising on legal matters relating to projects and programmes including the legal structures to be used, negotiating term sheets, and negotiating template and project/programme-specific funded activity agreements; preparing legal advice on the interpretation of statutes, contracts and other legal documents; and advising on policy matters related to projects and programmes

Duties and responsibilities

Purpose

• Review, under the supervision of Legal Counsel or Senior Counsel, funding proposals and legal documents required by the GCF for its operations, and ensure they are coherent with best practice and the legal and policy framework of the GCF;
• Conduct and review, under the supervision of Legal Counsel or Senior Counsel, the legal due diligence in connection with the proposed funding structures;
• Prepare, under the supervision of Legal Counsel, Senior Counsel or General Counsel, drafts of legal arrangements with accredited entities; and 
• Participate in GCF’s Board meetings and other events and meetings of the GCF. This may include assisting in the preparation of relevant documentation, preparing summaries of discussions and presentation

Engagement

• Participate in and support Legal Counsel, Senior Counsel or General Counsel in the negotiation of legal arrangements with accredited entities; 
• Coordinate the work of consultants and interns within the Office of the General Counsel; • Advise projects teams on the legal and policy framework of the GCF; 
• Perform some of the activities listed above independently under the supervision of Legal Counsel, Senior Counsel or General Counsel and based on the complexity of the task; and 
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel, as relevant.

Delivery

• Timely delivery of review of funding proposals and other legal documents necessary for GCF’s legal and policy framework; 
• Thorough, accurate and timely delivery of due diligence reports; 
• Tangible support and assistance in negotiations of legal arrangements with accredited entities; 
• Sound practical legal advice on the legal policy framework as well as accurate summaries and presentation in Board meetings; and 
• Effective and accountable supervision of interns and consultants.

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 4 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 in, or working with, developing countries; 
• Emotional intelligence and values-driven work ethic; 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.