EDFI Management Company – Legal counsel

Reference number: VL/BE/LAW/4692/26

In House Legal Counsel Permanent position Brussels

| EDFI Management Company – Legal counsel

Our client

EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) (www.edfimc.eu) is an EU-funded hub to manage innovative development finance solutions.

EDFI MC operates on behalf of 15 European Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to offer financial services to sustainable development projects led by the private sector in emerging and developing economies. EDFI MC's product portfolio includes investment solutions, co-financing vehicles, and risk-sharing instruments. All these financing instruments are designed to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Concomitantly, EDFI MC works in close operational cooperation with relevant DFIs and the EU throughout the investment process.

EDFI Management Company is a multicultural organization with over 40 employees located in Brussels. The staff consists of specialized investment professionals, relying on the support of various departments. 

Vacancy description

As a legal counsel, your role is key for EDFI MC, providing legal support for both fundraising and investment activities. You will operate autonomously within a small legal function, taking ownership of the investment documentation from term sheet to closing. You will navigate EU-EC regulations, draft agreements, advise on the structure and negotiate transactions across the different sector’s EDFI MC is active (including the critical raw materials value chain, i.e. exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling, and circular economy solutions) in developing countries (primarily Africa, Asia, and Latin America), as well as ensure compliance, contributing to responsible development finance.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic advisory on all legal matters including any deal structuring and contracting and, if need be, liaise with the relevant external legal expert(s) in order to obtain proper legal support.
  • Guide all relevant EDFI MC’s stakeholders (including the investment teams) from a legal point of view on new and existing transactions from the structuring phase to their implementation.
  • Coordinate the drafting and negotiation, together with the investment teams, of the contractual documentation relating to investments EDFI MC makes, working closely with external legal advisors, if need be.
  • Advise the EDFI MC’s Portfolio Team in developing and implementing strategic restructuring solutions tailored to the company’s existing investments in debt and equity.
  • Assist in the implementation and regular upkeep of rules and regulations required for EDFI MC to comply with its obligations towards its stakeholders.
  • Structure and document the financing of preliminary and development-stage studies across the critical raw materials value chain: milestone-based disbursement, repayable or convertible instruments, permitting and offtake conditionality, and the treatment of a negative study outcome.
  • Instruct, steer and control the external counsel panel, including in mining and processing jurisdictions, and own the quality of its output.

Profile

Qualifications and Experiences:

  • Master’s degree in law in an EU country.
  • 6-9 years of professional experience in the direct financing of, and investment in, operating companies (term sheets, facility agreements with the borrower, subscription and shareholders’ agreements), in sectors such as project and mining finance, commodities or infrastructure, in both equity and debt transactions within a development finance institution, another international organisation, an international law firm or an impact investment organisation.
  • Experience in restructuring of debt and equity investments and in various stages of insolvency or similar proceedings.
  • Practical experience of English-law governed finance documentation (LMA or equivalent). An LL.M. obtained in the United Kingdom is an asset.
  • Experience in compliance and/or governance matters or willingness to further develop relevant skills.
  • Understanding of technical, operational, and ESG risks specific to the critical raw materials sector, (e.g., permitting, environmental impacts, supply chain transparency) is an asset.

Competencies and skills:

  • Bilingual French and English both orally and in writing is mandatory
  • Any other language such as Spanish or Portuguese are a good asset
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Well-organized, committed to deliver quality work with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to details and deadlines.
  • Pro-active and flexible mindset, willingness to work in team.
  • Multi-cultural sensitivity.
  • Interested in emerging and developing markets.
  • Candidates must be in possession of a valid work permit for Belgium.

Offer

  • A dynamic and international environment in collaboration with passionate people.
  • An impactful work.
  • A permanent full-time employment contract based in Brussels.
  • Compensation in line with bilateral development finance institutions.
  • An opportunity to learn or deepen knowledge on a broad range of topics.

About Vialegis

By creating perfect matches between legal professionals and organizations, we don’t just transform careers—we enhance the strength of legal teams. This leads to greater success and satisfaction for both candidates and clients. With a team of motivated, trilingual recruitment partners, we have successfully filled over 1,000 vacancies, achieving an impressive 98% success rate in permanent placements.

Process

We start with a personal conversation to understand your ambitions, skills, and future plans. This allows us to get a clear picture of your strengths and goals.
By combining your talents and aspirations with our market expertise, we identify the ideal match. We propose positions that truly suit you.
We introduce you to our client and provide personal guidance and coaching throughout the process, ensuring you’re prepared every step of the way.
Even after you have started at your new position, we remain involved. With regular check-ins and feedback, we ensure a successful and seamless experience for you.
Please feel free to contact Sara Berquin for more information.
Sara Berquin
Consultant