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 people in developing countries through research and innovation in maize and wheat, CIMMYT operates in over 100 countries worldwide, collaborating with various partners to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges and advancing agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The Legal Counsel Assistant to the General Counsel at CIMMYT is a pivotal role that provides essential support to the General Counsel in various legal matters. This position 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 managing contracts and agreements with both national and international entities. The role requires thorough research and analysis of legal frameworks across jurisdictions where CIMMYT operates, ensuring compliance and providing legal counsel in areas such as corporate, criminal, regulatory, labor, tax, and administrative law. The assistant will also be responsible for organizing legal files, preparing meeting agendas, and maintaining a tracking system for legal matters, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

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 with 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 on treaties, laws, and regulations; drafting legal opinions and memoranda; organizing legal materials for easy access; preparing meeting agendas and taking minutes; tracking tasks and projects; optimizing legal service processes; and ensuring proper follow-up on entrusted matters. The assistant will also be expected to maintain high levels of support for stakeholders and manage a high volume of tasks effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a valid license to practice law and hold a law degree from a recognized university. A minimum of three years of experience in corporate law or commercial/contract law, either in a corporate setting or a legal firm, is required. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory, with a minimum C1 score in English as per the Common European Framework of Reference (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 confidentiality and discretion is essential, along with a proactive attitude and commitment to meeting deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires a law degree from a recognized university, along with a valid license to practice law. This educational background is essential for understanding complex legal issues and providing sound legal advice.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant experience in corporate law or commercial/contract law. This experience can be gained through work in either a corporate environment or a legal firm, providing the candidate with the necessary skills to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.

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. 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 as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is based in Texcoco, State of Mexico, and is a full-time role.