CAF Seeks Principal Counsel for Sovereign Risk – A Deep Dive into Latin American Development Finance
The Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF), a multilateral financial institution focused on sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean, is actively recruiting a Principal Counsel specializing in Sovereign Risk. This role, based in either Honduras or Costa Rica, offers a hybrid work model and represents a significant opportunity for legal professionals with extensive experience in international finance and public debt.
The Growing Importance of Sovereign Risk in Latin America
Sovereign risk – the risk that a country will default on its debt obligations – is a critical consideration for development banks like CAF. As Latin American nations navigate complex economic landscapes, CAF’s legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that lending operations are structured to mitigate these risks. The position requires expertise in international public law, financial law, and corporate law, alongside a deep understanding of the intricacies of public external debt processes.
What Does the Role Entail?
The Principal Counsel will provide specialized legal advice to CAF teams involved in evaluating, structuring, negotiating, and administering sovereign credit operations. Key responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating loan agreements and related legal documentation. The role as well involves participation in strategic projects related to sovereign lending, all under the legal coordination of sovereign risk operations and the supervision of the Director of Legal Affairs.
Core Responsibilities: A Closer Look
- Legal Structuring & Evaluation: Ensuring operations are formalized securely, transparently, and in compliance with CAF regulations.
- Contract Negotiation: Preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and formalizing loan agreements, credit line agreements, and sovereign risk guarantee documents.
- Strategic Project Participation: Contributing to the design and implementation of legal solutions aligned with CAF’s corporate objectives.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborating with legal teams, internal CAF departments, and external counterparts in the public and private sectors.
Ideal Candidate Profile: Skills and Experience
CAF is seeking a seasoned legal professional with a strong academic background and a proven track record. Candidates must hold a university law degree with a postgraduate degree and/or master’s in law. A minimum of ten years of specific experience in corporate, financial, or international law is essential. Experience in negotiating contracts and coordinating multidisciplinary teams is also crucial.
Key Skills & Knowledge
- Advanced knowledge of international public law, financial law, and corporate law.
- Specialized knowledge in drafting, structuring, reviewing, and negotiating credit operations.
- Expertise in the principles and rules governing public external debt.
- Strong analytical and interpretive skills for legal norms, contracts, and documents.
Language Requirements & Benefits
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory, with Portuguese considered a desirable asset. CAF offers a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance, wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and standard exit benefits. The position is a permanent, full-time role with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in the office, 2 days remote).
CAF’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
CAF actively promotes diversity, including ethnic-racial diversity, gender equality, and the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
Application Deadline & Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit an updated resume (CV) and indicate the position they are applying for. The application deadline is March 20th at 6:00 PM Caracas time.
FAQ
- What is CAF? CAF is a multilateral development bank supporting sustainable development and integration in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Where are the positions located? The positions are located in either Honduras or Costa Rica.
- What languages are required? Spanish and English are required. Portuguese is desirable.
- What is the work arrangement? The position offers a hybrid work model with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
- What is the application deadline? The application deadline is March 20th at 6:00 PM Caracas time.
Did you know? CAF provides both sovereign and non-sovereign financing, supporting a wide range of projects across the region.
Pro Tip: When applying, highlight your experience in negotiating international loan agreements and your understanding of sovereign debt principles.
Explore more opportunities at CAF’s careers page.
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