Legal Counsel Assistant to the General Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization. Established to improve the livelihoods of farmers and consumers, CIMMYT has partners in over 100 countries, focusing on the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the enhancement of maize and wheat production. The organization is dedicated to research that addresses global challenges such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate change, and poverty alleviation. With a diverse workforce and a commitment to innovation, CIMMYT plays a crucial role in advancing agricultural science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Legal Counsel Assistant to the General Counsel at CIMMYT is a vital position that provides essential support to the General Counsel in various legal matters. This role involves assisting with internal and external communications, drafting and editing legal documents, and managing confidential files. The assistant will also engage in contract life cycle management, which includes drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and amending contracts and agreements with both national and international entities. The position requires thorough research and analysis of legal frameworks relevant to CIMMYT's operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The assistant will be responsible for organizing legal files, preparing meeting agendas, and tracking tasks and projects, all while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Counsel Assistant include: providing day-to-day support to the Director of the Legal Unit; assisting in drafting, editing, and preparing legal correspondence and documents; maintaining confidential legal files; managing special projects as requested; supporting contract life cycle management processes; conducting research and analysis of treaties, laws, and regulations; drafting legal opinions and memoranda; establishing and maintaining file tracking systems; organizing legal materials for easy access; preparing meeting agendas and taking minutes; ensuring follow-up on action items; managing a high volume of tasks and projects; optimizing legal service processes; and providing additional support as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a valid license to practice law and hold a law degree from a reputable university. A minimum of three years of experience in corporate law or commercial/contract law is required, preferably gained in a corporate setting or legal firm. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is essential, with a minimum C1 score required on the English test as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Candidates should also demonstrate excellent organizational, writing, research, and communication skills, with the ability to convey legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. A strong sense of urgency, commitment to responsibilities, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are crucial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a law degree from a reputable university, along with a valid license to practice law. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a solid foundation in legal principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in corporate law or commercial/contract law. This experience can be gained through work in a legal firm or within a corporate legal department, providing the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, scoring at least C1 on the CEFR scale. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes benefits beyond the provisions of Mexican Labor Law. These benefits include a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits provided by Mexican institutions such as IMSS, SAR, and Infonavit. The position is based at CIMMYT’s campus in Texcoco, State of Mexico, which is located 45 km northeast of Mexico City.