The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Legal Directorate - Legal Department, Operations at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a:
Banking / Finance Lawyers
qualified in Belgian or French or Common law (or law of  other geographical areas specified below)  and specialised in Banking / Project Finance
appointment will be made on the basis of fixed term contracts up to 4 years 
Purpose
The Divisions of JU/OPS deal with the legal documentation and legal issues for projects in all geographical areas of operations of the EIB. The lawyer will provide legal support to the operational Directorates, carrying out work relating to all tasks within the remit of the JU Division for which s/he will be assigned.  The lawyer will work independently on financing operations. S/he will draw up, as necessary, reports on completed transactions and prepare own proposals when consulted on fundamental or specific legal issues.
Operating network
The Bank's Legal Department - Operations is divided into several Divisions, most focusing on a particular geographical region. The Lawyer will report to the Head of the Division to which s/he will be assigned. Depending on mobile assignments, s/he might be called to deal with legal documentation and legal issues for projects in the following divisions / regions:
  • Western Europe (WE) covering legal operations in France, Benelux, United Kingdom and Ireland
  • Baltic Sea (MB) covering legal operations in Poland, EFTA countries, Scandinavia and Baltic States
  • Central and Eastern Europe (CE&ENCA) covering legal operations within the EU in Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and outside the EU in the Eastern Neighbours region and Central Asia
  • South East Europe (SEE) covering legal operations in Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Balkans, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Turkey
  • Spain and Portugal (ESPT) covering legal operations in these countries
  • Outside Europe (OEU) covering legal operations in non EU countries, including Mediterranean (FEMIP), Africa, Caribbean, Pacific, Asia, Latin America
Currently we are looking with particular priority for lawyers qualified in Belgian, French and Common law (for the division WE).
The post may involve a certain amount of travel for negotiations and signatures of legal documentation and contracts.
Accountabilities
  • The lawyer will carry out work related to all of the Division's responsibilities and work independently on financing operations. S/he will:
  • Draft and negotiate legal documentation for financing operations and guarantees for:
    • projects in the aforementioned countries, notably bilateral loans with banking sector and/or corporates and/or public sector counterparts
    • structured finance and project finance transactions, often with the assistance from external legal counsels
    • This accountability involves: drafting of documents, legal advisory support, conclusion of contracts, completion of all related legal formalities, and legal monitoring (including loan restructuring and other post-signature events)
  • Manage contacts and negotiations
  • Liaise with external consultants and supervise their work, whenever necessary
  • Complete the administrative formalities vis-à-vis clients (public institutions and private enterprises)
  • Undertake research and conduct legal studies on issues of law arising in connection with the Bank's operations and in the context of developing new financial instruments
  • Develop and maintain relationships within the Bank and represent EIB externally
Qualifications
  • University degree in law, preferably at Master level
  • Qualification or professional experience in both Common Law and Civil Law will be a distinct advantage; currently we are looking with particular priority for lawyers qualified (bar exam) in Belgian, French and, Common law (ideally with dual or multiple professional legal qualification)
  • Significant experience in the drafting and negotiation of finance documentation in English and in the language of the own legal qualification (Dutch and French in the case of Belgium)
  • Solid experience of cross-border legal project finance and PPP transactions, banking transactions, and operations in both developed and emerging countries
  • Minimum 3 years of post-qualification experience relevant for the job, in the field of banking and project financing, acquired with a law firm of international repute or the in-house legal department of a financial institution
  • Very good knowledge of standard computer tools
  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and at least working knowledge of French;  Knowledge of other European Languages will be a distinct advantage in order to be able to work on assignments across various geographical areas and may be a requirement for certain Divisions, depending on the specific countries of operation. For the division CE&ENCA, excellent knowledge of German is required.  For candidates qualified in Belgian law, Dutch and French would be required
Competencies
  • Ability to analyse, summarise and solve problems
  • Ability to develop innovative legal solutions
  • Ability to draft documents rapidly and efficiently
  • Good interpersonal and negotiation skills
  • Ability to argue convincingly and achieve consensus among colleagues and third parties on legal matters
  • Team player
  • Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise, meeting deadlines
  • Integrity
Deadlines for applications: 27th April 2014
We believe that Diversity is good for our people and our business. We promote and value diversity and inclusion among our staff and candidates; irrespective of their gender, age, nationality, race, culture, education and experience, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability