Counsel

Counsel

Job #:	req34173
Organization:	World Bank
Sector:	Legal
Grade:	GF
Term Duration:	4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:	International Recruitment
Location:	Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):	English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:	9/12/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work 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.  For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The World Bank Administrative Tribunal is an independent judicial forum which hears and passes judgment on applications brought by staff members of the World Bank Group alleging non-observance of their contract of employment or terms of appointment.  The Tribunal is composed of seven members who are experts in the fields of employment relations, international civil service and international organization administration.  The activities of the Tribunal are supported by a secretariat, which is managed by the Executive Secretary who reports solely to the Tribunal.  The secretariat serves as the administrative arm of the Tribunal, and is charged with organizing and administering the work connected with the Tribunal’s review of cases filed by staff members against the Bank, in order to ensure just disposition of these cases by the Tribunal.  

Roles & Responsibility:
 
The Secretariat of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal is seeking to recruit an individual, who shall work under the general supervision of the Executive Secretary, to facilitate the work of the members of the Tribunal.  In particular, the individual will undertake the following tasks: 

• Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary: 

• Conduct legal research and analysis of legal issues at the request of the members of the Tribunal; 

• Prepare summaries of pleadings submitted by parties to the Tribunal; 

• Identify legal issues and relevant precedents and prepare memoranda on cases submitted to the Tribunal. 

• Acts as assistant to the Executive Secretary on a range of matters, including but not limited to: 

• the organization and conduct of oral hearings; 

• the administration of cases; 

• the publication of the Tribunal’s judgments.

Selection Criteria

• 5 years of relevant legal experience in international organizations or international tribunals or national courts; ideally, this will include experience in providing legal assistance to members of an international tribunal; 

• Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree; 

• Membership of the bar in at least one jurisdiction; 

• Ability to draft legal documents in English to the highest standards of precision and clarity; 

• Familiarity with the procedure and case-law in international administrative tribunals; 

• Ability to work effectively with the members of the Tribunal and the staff of the Secretariat in a collegial and flexible manner; 

• Ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a complex nature. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to balance long-term projects, short-term assignments, and routine daily tasks; 

• Outstanding analytical and organizational skills; and 

• Adherence to the highest standards of professional integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Client Orientation - Able to interact with clients with discretion and diplomacy.

• Demonstrates ability to resolve complex client related issues. Displays understanding of relevant internal and external factors and their impact to the client. 

• Drive for Results - Takes personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results, and has the personal organization to do so. 

• Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion - Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the team's work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view. 

• Knowledge, Learning and Communication - Able to communicate in a constructive and professional manner. Can assist in the preparation of written materials in accordance with WB administrative guidelines and best practices. Able to contribute to unit's knowledge sharing. 

• Analytical Decision Making - Able to effectively and independently provide general research support. Demonstrates ability to assess situation, and make sound judgment on action needed.

• Professional Maturity - Understands others and the reasons for their behavior. Takes the time to clarify others' points of view so that progress can be made particularly in situations of stress or conflict. Ability to work with diplomacy and good judgment in interactions with others.  

• Legal Research, Drafting, and Communication - Able to draft documents as assigned, with limited supervision. Conducts research as necessary to acquire insight and information. Is aware of the need for precision and focus on quality. Uses a writing style that is clear and precise. 

• Legal Reasoning - Breaks down problems into their component parts. Articulates the implications of situations in a step-by-step way. Remains objective when reviewing problems or situations to understand the issues. Makes sure he/she possesses all the facts.

• Deliver Results for Clients 

• Mentoring- Shares own expertise with others regarding task accomplishment and general legal and Bank knowledge. Provides constructive feedback to others.
 
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries - Appropriately involves others in decision making and communicates with key stakeholders. Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved.  Actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches displaying a sense of mutuality and respect.  Integrates World Bank Group perspective into work.  Is aware of the need to be diplomatic when working with others particularly when the issues are difficult; uses good judgment in interactions with clients.  Works effectively with others and supervisor.  Values constructive feedback on ability to improve.

**This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.**

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful 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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.