Role overview

Application deadline: September 4th, 2026.

Are you ready to advance your career while impacting change in emerging markets?

We are looking for a (Senior) Legal Counsel!

Join FinDev Canada, Canada’s development finance institution! We work with and through the private sector to advance climate and nature action, gender equality, and market development in developing economies. Joining FinDev Canada means being part of a growing, purpose‑driven organization where your expertise directly contributes to meaningful, measurable impact around the world.

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: FinDev Canada headquarters is in downtown Montreal. For the right candidate, Ottawa or Toronto will be considered, with the flexibility to work under a hybrid model, with a current requirement of three in-office days per week (subject to change).

Compensation Details

Legal Counsel, Grade 18: Salaries typically range from $96,557 - $138,398 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.
Senior Legal Counsel, Grade 19: Salaries typically range from $112,006 - $160,542 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Impactful Work: We are driven by our mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies. Every role contributes to creating positive, lasting impact - for our clients, the markets we serve, and communities around the world.
Inspiring Colleagues: Join a diverse and talented team from around the world that brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to everything we do. We believe strong results come from strong partnerships - working together, sharing perspectives, and building trust to achieve shared goals.
Our Core Values: Our culture is anchored in Collaboration, Agility, Impact, and Respect. We work together across diverse teams, embrace change and innovation, and stay focused on creating meaningful, sustainable impact - while treating one another with integrity, empathy, and respect.
Perks and Benefits: Our Total Rewards offering goes beyond a paycheck. We provide a comprehensive package designed to meet the diverse needs and life stages of our employees.

Team Overview

We are looking to add a lawyer to the Legal Transactions team as FinDev Canada continues to experience sustained growth in its core investment activities. The Legal Transactions team works in close partnership with investment professionals and subject matter experts across the full investment lifecycle, from origination through execution and portfolio management. As trusted advisers and key members of transaction teams, our lawyers combine legal expertise, commercial judgment, and pragmatic problem-solving to help structure and execute complex transactions that achieve both financial returns and development impact.

The practice spans a broad range of products, including bilateral and syndicated lending, structured and project finance, capital markets instruments, and direct and indirect equity investments across Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
What You Will Be Doing

Advising and executing debt and equity transactions across the investment lifecycle, from origination and structuring through closing and portfolio management.
Serving as a trusted legal and commercial advisor to investment teams, and subject matter experts, helping structure solutions to complex transactional and risk-related issues for assessment and approval purposes.
Drafting, negotiating, and managing financing, investment, development, and commercial documentation.
Managing relationships with external counsel and other transaction stakeholders.
Contributing to legal policy development, knowledge management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Promoting a proactive approach to legal risk management through training, thought leadership, and monitoring of legal and market developments.
Leading or support strategic and cross-functional projects aligned with FinDev Canada's mandate and growth objectives.

What We Are Looking For

Legal Counsel:

Member of the Bar of any Province or Territory of Canada.
Minimum 3-7 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage a high volume of tasks and transactions effectively and efficiently.
Working knowledge of legal services, principles, and practices.

Senior Legal Counsel:

Member of the Bar of any Province or Territory of Canada.
Minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage a high volume of tasks and transactions effectively and efficiently.
Advanced knowledge of legal services, principles, and practices.

What Will Make You Stand Out

Strong preference for candidates with experience working with other Canadian Crown Corporations, Development Finance Institutions or Multilateral Development Banks.
Understanding and experience with economic and development issues in developing countries preferably in Latin America, the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Working knowledge of legal services principles and practices as they relate to cross-border financing and investment transactions.
Bilingual in both official languages (English and French).
Fluent in Spanish.

Ready to make a difference?

Learn more about us here: https://www.findevcanada.ca
Eligibility:

FinDev Canada is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian 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.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants' interest in a career at FinDev Canada; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within FinDev Canada.
FinDev Canada’s Commitment to Employment Equity

FinDev Canada is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At FinDev Canada, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

FinDev Canada recognizes that disclosing the need for accommodations can be a personal matter. Please know that as an organization, we are committed to maintain confidentiality and ensure that any accommodation provided is tailored to support your needs. Our aim is to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience throughout the recruitment process, so please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any accommodation requests at accessible@findevcanada.ca. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Privacy Notice

By applying for this job you acknowledge that you have read and understood FinDev Canada's Privacy Notice for Job Applicants, which outlines how we collect, use, retain, and safeguard personal information during the recruitment process, as well as your rights of access and correction