Deadline: 24 February, 2022

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is seeking to fill the role of Division Manager – Public Sector Operations, Policy and Governance.

AfDB’s mission is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs), thus contributing to poverty reduction.

Responsibilities

• Provide the technical leadership to counsels delivering legal support to the public sector operations of the bank
• Assign work in the division among counsels
• Coordinate the work products of each counsel with that of the operational complexes and/or other complexes of the bank
• Review, supervise and comment on the project concept note as well as contribute to any legal section contained therein, and assist in the structuring of the project
• Supervise and provide input on the project appraisal report, draft board resolutions, clear resolutions for onward transmission to the board and participate in meetings of the board of directors, including any pre-board consideration before the operations committee
• Conceive, or review and oversee, the legal documentation, as well as other documentation depending on the nature of the project or programme and the type of financing
• Oversee the active participation of counsels in the division in the negotiation of all matters pertaining to the legal documentation and other issues that may have legal implications or repercussions on sovereign operations
• Take the lead in reviewing the documentary evidence submitted towards fulfillment of the conditions precedent after the financing agreement has been agreed and signed, as well as supervise counsels with regard to this task
• Supervise the review of any demand for waivers or amendments (including ensuring that the internal procedures for approval of waivers and amendments are met) and the resolution of any issues that arise during implementation of sovereign operations
• Interpret texts of the bank concerning sovereign and other operations of the bank
• Ensure quality control as well as compliance with the bank’s policies and procedures with respect to the provision of legal services in all aspects of the sovereign operations of the bank
• In consultation with the general counsel, conceive and prepare the budget of the division and control the general administrative, strategic policy directions and orientations of the department
• Provide legal advice and briefs to the general counsel on matters to be addressed at the senior management coordination committee meetings as well as board meetings
• Handle certain legal issues of a complex and confidential nature in accordance with the instructions from the general counsel and other senior management staff of the bank
• Assure the quality control of the work of the division from the technical, administrative and resources point of view, as well as establish the priorities of the division and resolve any conflicts that may arise among subordinates
• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the general counsel

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Law, and admission to the bar of one of the bank’s member countries; or a Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the bar of one of the bank’s member countries
• Eight years, minimum, of relevant experience in similar jobs, preferably in a multilateral development bank
• Combined specialisation and expertise in the knowledge of the administrative setup, organisation and texts of the bank
• Seasoned knowledge in the current trend of developments and familiarity with international law, and related matters within the bank and other international organisations
• Strong skills in preparation of complex legal documents, including briefs and confidential legal opinions, leading the negotiation of complex projects and programmes and other transactions of a similar nature
• Capacity to conceive and supervise the negotiation of complex legal documents of all manners and form that balance the standards and norms of outside parties with the unique requirements of the bank
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, team building, interpersonal, writing and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous and shifting demands, priorities and tight deadlines
• High-level skills in communication and negotiation as well as the ability to build partnerships with a broad range of clients and deliver results that meet the needs of the general counsel and legal services department’s work programme
• Competence in the use of technological systems (preferably SAP) and standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English or French

To apply and for more information, click here.

Photo source: ILRI