IDB3155 - Lead Litigation and Internal Disputes Counsel

The role participates in providing expert level key legal advice on all kinds of litigation and dispute resolution issues related to the IsDB or any member of the IsDB Group’s (IsDB Group) business activities, including operations, financial activities, government regulations, taxation and labour etc. The role participates in representing the Bank to initiate and defend, any kinds of complex suits, complaints, arbitration proceedings and/or any other legal and/or arbitral processes or proceeding(s) worldwide on behalf of the IsDB Group and ensure the protection of the IsDB Group’s privileges, immunities and exemptions. The role is also participates in defending, under the supervision of the Manager and in coordination with the relevant units of the IsDB Group, the interests of the IsDB or any member of the IsDB Group in relation to Internal Disputes that are under the Grievances Mechanisms and/or the Staff Disciplinary Rules.

The Lead Litigation and Internal Disputes Counsel undertakes the following responsibilities under the supervision of the Manager, Litigation and Internal Disputes Division:

• Provide expert level advice and support to IsDB Group’s Management in all matters related to litigation and dispute resolution, including policy, procedures, strategies and case management. Serves as a key adviser to the management on all kinds of issues of litigation risk management concerning complex matters, strategic planning and execution.
• Lead in defending, in compliance with the Grievances Mechanisms and/or the Staff Disciplinary Rules, the interests of the IsDB or any of the members of IsDB Group in relation to the Internal Disputes that are under the Grievances Mechanisms and/or the Staff Disciplinary Rules;
• Lead in developing and implementing litigation preparedness and risk management recommendations, including supporting data bases, case management and other systemic recommendations;
• Participate in representing the IsDB Group on any litigation or dispute matters that arise, including in the context of lawsuits by or against IsDB Group, contentious matters or any other dispute resolution;
• Advise on institutional privileges, immunities and exemptions in the context of dispute resolution;
• Provide advice and support on matters related to the litigation arising from IsDB Group operations and policy compliance, including, developing responses to complaints and disputes and advise on communications with internal and external stakeholders;
• Analyze case law and relevant data, construct and present arguments based thereon in a clear and persuasive manner;
• Conduct research of relevant case law and policies and experiences of IsDB Group and other development and financial organizations;
• Lead in the establishment of communication channels with the litigation functions of other international and multilateral institutions to exchange relevant information, knowledge and experiences.
• Lead in the establishment of contacts and cooperate with specialized international/regional organizations in common member countries;
• Lead to represent IsDB in international fora and conferences; and
• Carry out any other function or any assignment for the litigation and Internal disputes management of the IsDB or any of the members of IsDB Group.

Litigation Risks Management and Governance Framework

• Lead in conducting high-quality research of relevant case law and policies and experiences of IsDB Group and other comparable development and financial organizations. Proactively, analyze case law and relevant data, and construct and present high-quality arguments based thereon in a clear and persuasive manner;
• Lead in assessing and enhancing litigation risk management systems and procedures for the IsDB Group as appropriate. Advise on installation and setting-up of robust Record-Keeping and Case Management IT Database systems for the Litigation Division and bench-march such with international best practices of comparable MDBs/IOs;
• Monitor and keep abreast of latest national, regional and international developments on all kinds of issues relevant to IsDB Group concerning litigation and dispute resolution. Under the supervision of the Manager, develop and lead the litigation risks management strategy to promote and protect IsDB Group’s interests.
• Participate in the selection of outside counsels, structure the engagement of outside counsels, carefully manage and supervise the outside counsels and legal costs thereof, as appropriate;
• Lead, under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, in developing Annual Work Plan and KPIs of the Litigation Division and its Staff for approval of the Management. Lead in developing Periodic and Annual Reports for information and approval of the Management on all kinds of Litigation Risk Management and complex litigation risks faced by the IsDB Group.

Knowledge-Sharing, Awareness and Capacity Development

• Lead, under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, in proactively designing and advising on knowledge-sharing to expand knowledge, experience and best practices in litigation risk and litigation management, including knowledge arising from lessons learnt from doing business and effectively sharing this knowledge to continually develop capacity of IsDB Group's preparedness and litigation management;
• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, strategically establish communication channels with the litigation functions of other international and multilateral institutions to exchange relevant information, knowledge and experiences.
• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, strategically establish contacts and cooperate with specialized international/regional organizations in common member countries with the aim of litigation risk manage and potential dispute resolution;
• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, develop training for legal, operations, finance, credit risk, portfolio and other staff on litigation preparedness, response and advice on documentation and litigation risk and strategies; 

Representation of IsDB Group and Expert Guidance

• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, act as the focal point for internal and external contacts with respect to all kinds of issues relating to litigation and dispute resolution. Represents the IsDB Group in international fora and conferences for any issues relating to litigation and dispute resolution;
• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, provide technical guidance and expert advice to the less experienced team members of the Litigation Division on complex litigation and dispute resolution issues faced by the IsDB Group.
• Under the supervision/guidance of the Manager, perform ad-hoc assignments as requested by the General Counsel and the Management of the IsDB Group.

• Bachelor degree in Law with admission to the Bar/License preferably in an IsDB member country. Master/PhD in Law with an emphasis on litigation, disputes resolution and arbitration is preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in litigation, disputes resolution and arbitrations.

• Ability to adapt to changing business circumstances to maintain effective performance.

• High degree of confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.

• Ability to maintain a rational and objective demeanour when faced with stressful or emotional situations.

• Ability to carry out performance evaluations at unit and direct report level.

• Plan and prioritize work tasks appropriately.

• Ability to identify risks and implement necessary mitigation measures.

• Consistently work to a high standard and look for ways to improve current working practices and processes for the benefit of stakeholders and the Bank.

• Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relationships.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage others effectively.

• Excellent time management skills.

• Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills.

• High degree of personal integrity.

• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex problems.

• Experience with policy development.

• Experience managing projects. 

• English is Mandatory

• Arabic is Preferred

• French is Preferred