Legal Counsel Officer (Locally Recruited)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. It focuses on enhancing the production systems of staple crops such as maize and wheat, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT aims to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive and resilient agrifood system. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty and enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to agricultural innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
Job Overview:
The Legal Counsel Officer will play a crucial role in supporting CIMMYT's contract lifecycle management. This position involves drafting, reviewing, and amending agreements with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with legal standards and institutional guidelines. The officer will conduct legal reviews of documents, identify potential risks, and assist in negotiations with internal and external parties. The role requires a proactive approach to managing legal matters, maintaining documentation, and supporting the Legal Department's processes. The officer will also engage in legal research and analysis to inform CIMMYT's operations and ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations. This position is essential for facilitating effective legal support within the organization and contributing to its mission of improving agricultural systems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Counsel Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree from a reputable university and have a minimum of four years of experience in legal support, paralegal, or contract administration roles. Proficiency in English at a full professional level (C1 CEFR) is required, along with strong legal drafting, analytical, and communication skills. Familiarity with contract lifecycle management systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat are essential. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and coordinate with diverse teams is also necessary. The selected candidate should demonstrate competencies in teamwork, customer orientation, creative thinking, and achievement orientation.
Educational Background:
A law degree from a recognized university is mandatory for this position. The educational background should include comprehensive training in legal principles, contract law, and relevant regulations that govern agricultural and international operations. Additional certifications or training in contract management or legal compliance would be advantageous.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in legal support roles, which may include work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing contracts and providing legal advice in a professional setting. Experience in agricultural law or international development would be beneficial but is not mandatory.
Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where CIMMYT operates, would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is locally recruited and may involve full-time engagement. The selected candidate will receive benefits such as private health insurance, a pension plan, paid time off, and opportunities for training and development. The role is designed for individuals who are committed to contributing to CIMMYT's mission and who thrive in a collaborative, international environment.
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. It focuses on enhancing the production systems of staple crops such as maize and wheat, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT aims to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive and resilient agrifood system. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty and enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to agricultural innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
Job Overview:
The Legal Counsel Officer will play a crucial role in supporting CIMMYT's contract lifecycle management. This position involves drafting, reviewing, and amending agreements with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with legal standards and institutional guidelines. The officer will conduct legal reviews of documents, identify potential risks, and assist in negotiations with internal and external parties. The role requires a proactive approach to managing legal matters, maintaining documentation, and supporting the Legal Department's processes. The officer will also engage in legal research and analysis to inform CIMMYT's operations and ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations. This position is essential for facilitating effective legal support within the organization and contributing to its mission of improving agricultural systems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Counsel Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
- Drafting, reviewing, and revising contracts and legal documents in accordance with CIMMYT's standards.
- Conducting first-level legal reviews to identify risks and compliance issues.
- Supporting negotiation processes with various stakeholders, including partners and government entities.
- Preparing legal comments, summaries, and correspondence to facilitate decision-making.
- Managing contract activities, including documentation verification and execution tracking.
- Maintaining legal files and records in compliance with confidentiality protocols.
- Conducting legal research on relevant laws and regulations.
- Coordinating with external counsel and monitoring legal obligations.
- Contributing to the improvement of Legal Department processes and tools. 1
- Preparing reports and presentations for internal stakeholders. 1
- Representing the Legal Department in various forums and meetings. 1
- Performing other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a law degree from a reputable university and have a minimum of four years of experience in legal support, paralegal, or contract administration roles. Proficiency in English at a full professional level (C1 CEFR) is required, along with strong legal drafting, analytical, and communication skills. Familiarity with contract lifecycle management systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat are essential. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and coordinate with diverse teams is also necessary. The selected candidate should demonstrate competencies in teamwork, customer orientation, creative thinking, and achievement orientation.
Educational Background:
A law degree from a recognized university is mandatory for this position. The educational background should include comprehensive training in legal principles, contract law, and relevant regulations that govern agricultural and international operations. Additional certifications or training in contract management or legal compliance would be advantageous.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in legal support roles, which may include work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing contracts and providing legal advice in a professional setting. Experience in agricultural law or international development would be beneficial but is not mandatory.
Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where CIMMYT operates, would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is locally recruited and may involve full-time engagement. The selected candidate will receive benefits such as private health insurance, a pension plan, paid time off, and opportunities for training and development. The role is designed for individuals who are committed to contributing to CIMMYT's mission and who thrive in a collaborative, international environment.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.