Senior Counsel - Treasury/Capital Markets

Job Profile:

The position is responsible for providing legal advice and support to the Finance Department, including the Treasury Unit, on funding/borrowing, resource mobilisation, derivatives, liquid asset investment and other finance-related matters, with a view to ensuring the highest standards of legal advice and documentation, protection of the OPEC Fund’s interests and compliance with the OPEC Fund’s mandate, policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy development and implementation

• Supports the development of procedures for the funding activities of the organization, and monitors their implementation from a legal perspective.

• Supports Finance in legal matter implementing the annual work program relating to the Funding and Borrowing Program and ensuring the achievement of its long-term goals, strategic targets and annual objectives.

Legal advice

• Supports and advises Finance in the negotiations and drafting of documentation for implementing the borrowing program and debt capital market transactions including the issuance of bonds and commercial papers 

• Assists in the preparation and the review of documentation for derivatives and other risk management transactions, including the negotiation of ISDA master agreements, Credit Support Annexes and other transactio documents.

• Reviews and revises global clearing, custody, execution and repurchase agreements to facilitate the OPEC Fund’s investment and risk management. 

• Supports Treasury on funding related issues, including compliance with listing rules, swap and hedge transactions and documentation of debt issuances, including comfort letters and due diligence exercises.

• Provides interpretation and legal opinions on the OPEC Fund’s financial regulations, regulatory and relevant policies and rules.

• Provides legal support to the OPEC Fund’s middle-office following the debt issuance, including drafting of specimen legal documentation to ensure adherence to best practices, applicable law and relevant OPEC Fund standard  and policies.

• Provides reports and recommendations to the General Counsel and/or Director, Institutional and Administrative Unit  on significant developments, emerging opportunities and challenges in the area of finance operations.

• Identifies issues of importance on finance matters in relation to the OPEC Fund’s operations and conducts research, analysis and studies on a wide range of legal issues, including the interpretation of legal instruments;

Research and analysis

• Identifies issues of importance on legal matters in any aspect related to the OPEC Fund’s operations and conducts research, analysis and studies on a wide range of legal issues, including interpretation of legal instruments, and brings them to the attention of the General Counsel and/or Director, Institutional and Administrative Unit together with recommendations thereon.

Risk management

• Monitors and signals deviations in the application of frameworks, contracts, policies and processes related to the legal/compliance/risks of Finance operations, and if necessary, takes corrective measures.

Leadership and direction

• Participates in the exchange of ideas and knowledge sharing to facilitate the broadening of the skills of the legal team and assists in ensuring skills transfers among Counsels within a formal or informal mentoring or facilitation   program.

Stakeholder management and engagement

• As assigned by the General Counsel and/or Director, Institutional and Administrative Unit , represents the OPEC Fund in any external legal proceedings and liaises with external counsels. 

• Works with external stakeholders (the senior representatives of issuing banks/ investment funds, partners and external counsel as required and authorized officials of partner countries/ institutions) and internal stakeholders (e.g. all OPEC Fund departments/ units/ functions on the subject of legal services and advice on an ongoing basis).

 Knowledge management

• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the knowledge assets of the department and the document management systems and related materials.

Carries out other tasks assigned by the General Counsel and/or Director, Institutional and Administrative Unit that are related to the job functions

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree in law and admission to the Bar or equivalent
• A minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience, In addition, preferably at least 3 years at an international development finance institution/international law firm 
• Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French, German or Spanish is an added advantage.

Competencies

• Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role

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• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities

• Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences

• Cross-Cultural Sensitivity - The ability to take into account the variety of the human experience and how it contributes to the workplace and to demonstrate  respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints

• Customer Centricity - The ability to focus on comprehending and addressing customer needs; consistently deliver exceptional service and foster strong, lasting customer relationships

• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities

• Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals