Senior Counsel - Legal Service

About the role

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is hiring a Senior Counsel within its Legal Service unit, reporting under the General Counsel and working with other members of the Legal Service. The role provides legal advice to the Board, Management, departments and services so that the Bank respects the rule of law, develops legal structures supporting its operations and offers legal research and assistance to the central banking community. It is based in Basel, Switzerland, but the BIS can hire globally and offers relocation support for the successful candidate and their dependents. The position is a three-year fixed-term contract.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and guidance on the Bank's legal structure, texts and conduct of operations, and on the status of the Bank with public authorities and international institutions.
• Assist in assessing priorities, defining business objectives and preparing the budgetary plan, and manage projects.
• Advise on and help prevent, defend and settle disputes and litigation, retaining and directing outside counsel when appropriate.
• Mentor and train more junior lawyers in the Legal Service.
• Take part in Bank-wide committees and working groups, contribute to policy development and carry out legal research.

Required profile

• Master's-level law qualification, or equivalent.
• Between 5 and 10 years' experience as an attorney, preferably with a central bank and/or international financial institution.
• Extensive international experience in legal issues relevant to central banks and international financial institutions.
• Ability to work proactively and independently, and to manage multiple conflicting priorities while balancing technical quality with business pragmatism.
• Strong analytical and mentoring skills, and excellent English drafting skills.
• Knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage; the BIS's corporate language is English.

What we offer

• A hybrid working environment with home office and working-from-abroad days.
• Relocation support for the candidate and their dependent family members.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including childcare and education allowances where applicable.