Deputy General Counsel – Legal Department (LEG)

Job Description

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 190 countries that works to foster global economic and monetary cooperation, promote financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

The IMF is seeking to fill a leadership position for a Deputy General Counsel in its Legal Department. This position is based at the IMF’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

The IMF’s Legal Department (LEG or department) aims at promoting and preserving the rule of law and financial integrity, which is essential to the IMF in carrying out its mandate. In fulfilling its mission, the Legal Department provides top-quality, independent advice to the IMF's Board of Governors, Executive Board, management and staff, and to the authorities of IMF member countries, covering issues of IMF law and policy, financial integrity, administrative law, and domestic legal and institutional reforms relevant to the IMF's mandate.

Under the direction of the General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department, the Deputy General Counsel assists in running and overseeing the work of the Department. Together with the General Counsel and the Department’s other Deputy General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel will help design and implement the strategy of the Department and its overall work program. More specifically, the Deputy General Counsel:

• May be designated by the General Counsel to serve as Acting General Counsel in the absence of the General Counsel;
• Assists the General Counsel in defining and implementing the Department's objectives and activities in light of the overall priorities of the IMF and the Department, working with the Department’s other managers to set the strategies and work priorities for the Department’s operating units, oversee and guide the work of relevant managers and staff, and continuously improve the Department’s internal managerial practices and procedures;
• Assists the General Counsel in the further development, application and reform of the IMF's legal framework; on issues of general IMF policy; and on domestic legal and institutional reform in areas within the IMF's mandate, including financial sector supervision, regulation and resolution, AML/CFT, central banking, payment and clearing systems, taxation and fiscal law, corporate and household insolvency, climate, fintech and digitalization, rule of law, good governance, and anti-corruption;
• Oversees the drafting of papers and decisions for consideration by the Executive Board and Board of Governors;
• Represents the Legal Department at the Executive Board, and with Executive Directors, management, department heads, and high-level officials from member countries and other international organizations;
• Oversees a range of administrative matters regarding the day-to-day management and running of the Legal Department;
• May serve as the Department's representative on IMF-wide committees; and
• Carries out other assignments as requested by the General Counsel.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

• A Juris Doctor or equivalent law degree and at least 25 years of relevant legal and managerial experience (of which at least 18 years in leadership roles);
• Proven outstanding leadership qualities and managerial skills, including the ability to motivate, effectively supervise, and provide guidance and coaching to managers and staff;
• A strong background in public and private international law with substantial experience dealing with international economic and financial issues at a senior leadership level;
• An excellent understanding of the IMF's mandate and its role in the global economic and financial system;
• Proven depth, expertise and leadership in several of the following areas: financial sector supervision, regulation and resolution, AML/CFT, central banking, payment and clearing systems, taxation and fiscal law, corporate and household insolvency, climate, fintech and digitalization, rule of law, good governance, and anti-corruption; in-depth knowledge of IMF activities and operations would be a plus;
• Outstanding ability to think strategically and create and execute a strategic plan, as well as proven adaptability, including in adjusting to new contexts and roles;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills along with outstanding written and oral communication skills; and
• A proven outstanding ability to carry out multiple leadership tasks concurrently and engage impactfully with high-level internal and external stakeholders.

This role is a grade B-4 in the IMF, with a very competitive salary and benefits package which is net of tax due to being in the international public sector. Background investigations will be a required part of the process for the successful candidate, and for non-US resident or citizens, G-4 visas will be provided for the incumbent and family members along with other exceptional benefits.

For a conversation about the position in confidence, please feel free to contact Odgers Berndtson Executive Search:

• Derek Wilkinson, Global Co-Head, International Development Practice, +1 202.559.7414, Derek.Wilkinson@odgersberndtson.com
• Bill Mateikis, Partner, Legal Practice, +1 612 703 2813, Bill.Mateikis@odgersberndtson.com
• Tristan Nelson, Consultant, +1 202.978.1287, Tristan.Nelson@odgersberndtson.com
• Dru Ebenau, Consultant, +1. 773-910-0779, Dru.Ebenau@odgersberndtson.com

Please submit your application through IMF jobs (https://imf.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/IMF/details/Deputy-General-Counsel---Legal-Department--LEG-_22-R2892) and provide a letter of motivation, CV, and any other relevant information as part of an application.  [This advert is being reposted. Please note candidates who applied to this vacancy earlier need not reapply.]