Senior Counsel, Litigation Management (National TDB Volunteer) at Trade and Development Bank (TDB)

Job Summary

The Senior Counsel, Litigation Management, leads and manages TDB's litigation portfolio and oversees all aspects of contentious matters, including legal risk mitigation, pre-litigation strategy, dispute resolution, and coordination with external counsel. The role requires collaboration with internal stakeholders, including operational, financial, and compliance teams, to ensure institutional interests are protected and disputes are resolved efficiently and strategically. The role reports to the Deputy General Counsel.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Represent the institution in legal disputes before courts, arbitral tribunals, and administrative bodies.
• Develop litigation strategy and oversee execution of the approved strategy through external counsel and internal resources.
• Manage all stages of litigation, from risk assessment and pleadings through hearings, settlement, and enforcement.
• Advise management and business units on legal risks, exposures, and potential dispute resolution strategies.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior management and governance bodies on significant legal proceedings.
• Maintain a litigation docket and case database with up-to-date tracking and analysis.
• Monitor developments in international dispute resolution practices and incorporate learnings into institutional processes.
• Liase with member states, partner institutions, and multilateral bodies on cross-border enforcement and jurisdictional matters.
• Coach, mentor and supervise junior team members in the Legal Department to ensure they acquire the right skills to support timely delivery of quality legal services.

Qualifications and Competencies

• A Master's degree in Law (LLM) and Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) or a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution.
• Qualification to practice law in any juridisction relevant to TDB's business or in any of the TDB's member countries.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience as a litigation and dispute resolution-focused lawyer. Prior international work experience in a commercial, financial, or legal advisory institution or public sector financial body (e.g., international law firm, multi-national corporate, bank, insurance company, investment advisory firm, DFI, Ministry of Finance, National Treasury, Sovereign Wealth Fund) is a plus.
• Proven track record and experience in dealing with international law, commercial litigation, sovereign immunity, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Strong legal drafting, problem solving, negotiation, organizational and planning skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, manage dynamic priorities, and work under pressure to deliver on strict deadlines.
• A results-oriented individual with excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of another offical language of TDB Group's Member States (French or Portuguese) would be an added advantage.