Legal Officer

Legal Officer - Asia
Job #: req34428

Organization: IFC

Sector: Legal

Grade: GF

Term Duration: 2 years 0 months

Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Location: Bangkok,Thailand; New Delhi,India

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s)
Closing Date: 10/7/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description
Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit

The Legal Department of IFC (CLED), under the General Counsel and Vice President, is responsible for providing legal and policy advice to the IFC Board, its Management and client departments on operational, advisory, and corporate matters. Specifically, CLED supports client departments in

(i)The delivery of IFC's annual program of financing private sector projects in emerging markets, advisory services, as well as early-stage engagements and pre-investment project development work to identify opportunities for private sector investments and creating markets ("Upstream").

(ii) Project portfolio management (including jeopardy projects and projects in litigation).

(iii)The delivery and design of structured finance products, sub-national lending, equity and quasi-equity, public-private partnerships, and investments in funds, as well as platform products.

(iv)Advising on corporate policy and operational matters.

(v)Knowledge management and training.

To support IFC's growing activities in the Asia region in particular to support for portfolio management and Upstream projects, CLED is recruiting a qualified Legal Officer to be based in Bangkok, Thailand or New Delhi, India.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Support IFC's internal counsels on new and portfolio investments and advisory services in Asia in particular portfolio and Upstream projects. Applicants should also be able to provide "second chair" support on more complex transactions with a senior primary counsel.
• Work autonomously and exercise independent judgment on straightforward financing and advisory transactions in the financial and real sector and follow-on same paper investments with existing clients in Asia. This includes advising internal clients at the business development stage, Term Sheet stage, and drafting and negotiating the transactions.
• Handle portfolio work (independently for routine matters and under supervision for complex matters), including reviewing amendment and waiver documents and working on subsequent closings and disbursements.
• Update guidance and precedents and work on legal and IFC policy research.
• Effectively communicate corporate policies and objectives to internal and external clients.
• Handle communications and articulate instructions to local counsel and external parties and follow-up with the same with a view to finalizing IFC positions including in terms of drafting documents.
• Provide guidance and oversee work produced by more junior staff in the legal department.
• Support country counsel and provide technical assistance on country-related matters and local regulatory engagements.
• Participate in and contribute to internal and departmental knowledge training and products.

Selection Criteria

• Law degree (master's or equivalent) from a recognized university and admitted to practice law in at least one key jurisdiction in Asia
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working at an international law firm/institution or 4 years working at a local law firm in corporate/transactional matters preferably in financing work
• Ability to advise business teams on standard legal questions
• Ability to understand complex legal issues in debt and equity transactions and articulate arguments and rationale for the same
• Proficient in the use of varied legal research sources, i.e., information databases, internet services, library sources
• Proven legal analytical skills, as demonstrated through research and analysis of a wide range of legal issues and the ability to present results/ recommendations clearly and concisely
• Ability to multitask and handle multiple projects/ tasks at the same time
• Demonstrated commitment to core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency, and accountability.
• English language skills
• Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills.

WBG Culture Attributes

• Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
• Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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