African Development Bank (AFDB) recruits for Principal Legal Counsel – (Administration)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s mission is to help reduce poverty, improve living conditions for Africans and mobilize resources for the continent’s economic and social development. With this objective in mind, the institution aims at assisting African countries – individually and collectively - in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and social progress. Combating poverty is at the heart of the continent’s efforts to attain sustainable economic growth. To this end, the Bank seeks to stimulate and mobilize internal and external resources to promote investments as well as provide its regional member countries with technical and financial assistance.

African Development Bank (AFDB) is recruiting for Principal Legal Counsel – (Administration)

Position title: Principal Legal Counsel – (Administration)
Grade: PL-4
Position N°: 2187
Reference: BAD/09/126


Objectives
Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Division Manager, Finance and Administrative Affaires Division (GECL.2), the incumbent shall carry out the following:

* Advise on constitutional and corporate legal issues arising from the interpretation ad application of the Bank’s Charter; Draft legal documents concerning membership and participation in the Bank and the African Development Fund (the Fund) and creation of Special funds;
* Advise on, draft, vet and revise legal documentation relating to organisation, structure, and administration of the Bank, the Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund (together “the Bank Group”) and the relations of the Bank Group with international organisations and with member and non-member states, including matters pertaining to the privileges, immunities and exemptions of the Bank and the Fund and those of officers, employees, experts and consultants of the Bank;
* Represent the Bank in litigation, arbitration, other administrative or legal proceedings including internal administrative review and appeal and tribunal proceedings and other matters in which the Bank is a party or may have an interest;
* Advise on, negotiate, and prepare contracts for the acquisition of goods and services for the Bank including consulting and professional services, intellectual property, technology and other products, in accordance with the Bank’s procurement rules and financial regulations;
* Advise on all administrative and human resources management matters of the Bank, including the drafting, reviewing and amending of all contacts and legal documents and advising on all legal questions relating to administrative and personnel matters;
* Advise on insurance matters and on administrative and policy matters concerning Staff Retirement Plan and Medical Benefits Plan;
* Provide legal services in the negotiation and finalising of legal instruments of co-operation between the Bank and Fund and bilateral and multilateral partners;
* Establish and maintain contact with legal services of other multilateral institutions and of member states and with the legal profession in general in member states of the Bank on matters relating to the functions and activities of the Bank and fund;
* Undertake such other assignments as required.

Selection Criteria

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

* At least a Master’s degree in Law, plus admission to the Bar of (or diploma to practice law in) a member country; or a first university degree plus a relevant combination of academic qualification in law e.g. Juris Doctor (JD) plus admission to the Bar of (or diploma to practice law in) a member country;
* At least 6 years of relevant experience, preferably with an established law firm, with proven administrative experience;
* Proven competence in Contract, Corporate, and Public International Law;
* Competence in the use of standard software applications;
* Ability to communicate and write effectively in English and/or French with good working knowledge of the other language;
* Candidates should be admitted to practice at the bar of a member country.


APPLICATION
Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit (preferably electronically, to: recruit@afdb.org) a fully completed Personal History Form (PHF), CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PHF (also available from the Bank’s web site), and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating date of birth and nationality.

The President, ADB, reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level.

The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing Date for Application is 10th September 2009