Legal Counsel - Singapore Branch Office

The EDC branch office in Singapore serves as a hub for the Asia Pacific region. The branch allows us to support our Asia Pacific and Canadian customers more effectively as they go, grow and succeed internationally.

Overview

EDC is seeking a team and solution-oriented corporate, commercial lawyer to join its Legal Services team of approximately 30 lawyers who provide a wide range of legal services to the Corporation and to work collaboratively with members of the Singapore branch office team.

EDC's Legal Services is a dynamic, client-oriented environment, supporting EDC's range of activities and services including the Singapore branch office. The Legal counsel based in Singapore provides legal representation and assistance to support financing transactions and EDC's corporate function including governance, regulatory compliance, procurement and human resources activities for the Singapore branch office.

The successful candidate will become a member of the EDC Legal Services team working closely with a supervisor and mentor from EDC head office while working from the Singapore branch office, and will provide advice to the Corporation relating to a range of financing activities, including in the areas of: corporate lending, project finance, and aircraft transactions as well as on governance, regulatory compliance, human resources, and procurement matters relating to the Singapore branch office.

Key Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position relate to a variety of tasks representing transactional and non-transactional work, as well as knowledge management. Key responsibilities will include the following (lawyers are expected to handle a broad range of business needs that may not be fully summarized below):

• Involvement in all aspects of a transaction from the development and structuring to the negotiation and documentation of the transaction
• Identify issues in file matters requiring consideration of appropriate risk mitigation measures and corporate perspective and knowledge
• Draft legal documentation
• Involvement in asset management matters (waivers, consents, and amendments) relating to financing products
• Provide legal advice on various matters of law pertaining to the activities of EDC, such as EDC's rights and obligations under EDC contracts, interpretation of internal documentation and policies, advice on governance, Singapore regulatory compliance, human resources and procurement matters, authorization and KYC & compliance requirements, including interpreting the Export Development Act, the Financial Administration Act, and other relevant statutes
• Retain and supervise the services of external counsel
• Review and comment on external counsel's documents and advice, relating to undertakings in which the Corporation is or proposes to become involved
• Review external counsel's inventory of relevant statutes and special statutory update on upcoming key legislative changes in Singapore (including working with subject matter experts to ensure compliance obligations and local regulations are implemented and followed by the Singapore branch office)
• Proactively support the Corporation, the legal and business teams through collaboration and teamwork

Screening Criteria:

• Undergraduate degree in Law
• Qualified to practice law in at least one of the following jurisdictions: Singapore or England & Wales
• Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Singapore
• Minimum of 7 years relevant legal experience
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including strong drafting skills
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage a high volume of tasks and transactions effectively and efficiently
• Working knowledge of legal services principles and practices

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong creative and critical thinking skills to apply to a variety of complex issues and to provide advanced solutions
• Proactive lawyering and risk mitigation skills acquired in a commercially oriented, dynamic environment
• Strong judgment and decision-making qualities, and collaborative in soliciting the input of others within the Legal Services team, the Singapore branch office, and with other EDC teams where appropriate
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills to deal with conflicting and complex areas
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Strong planning and project management skills

Eligibility:

• EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements.
• The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Salary Range:
• Legal Services 19: Salaries typically range from SGD $145,350 (SGD $12,112 per month) to SGD $193,800 (SGD $16,150 per month) annually, based on qualifications and experience, plus a performance-based incentive.

Location:
• Please be advised that this position is based at our Singapore branch office located at the Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore.