Regional Legal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on building strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while striving for a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security while improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Regional Legal Counsel. This role involves developing and managing strategic legal plans, overseeing internal and external legal cases, contracts, and providing appropriate legal advice to promote CIMMYT's mission and vision in the Asian Region and beyond. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing and coordinating the end-to-end Contract Life Cycle Management, which includes the development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment, quality control, and archiving of various legal instruments such as grants, subgrants, research collaboration agreements, consultancy, procurement contracts, leases, nondisclosure agreements, and Host Country Agreements. The position requires providing timely, practical, and business-oriented legal advice across multiple jurisdictions, supporting compliance efforts, and ensuring that institutional objectives are achieved in a legally compliant and operationally efficient manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Legal Counsel include executing and coordinating the entire Contract Life Cycle Management for various legal instruments, providing timely legal advice across multiple jurisdictions, supporting the Compliance Officer in managing case management, providing proactive legal support to departments, participating in compliance program implementation, acting as a legal focal point between the Region and Headquarters, researching and analyzing relevant laws and regulations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop policies, identifying and assessing legal risks, providing strategic legal advice, contributing to the improvement of legal workflows, supporting corporate governance functions, preparing educational materials, and representing the Legal Department in various forums. The role also involves performing other related tasks as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a master’s degree or LL.M and have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel, preferably in a similar position supporting multijurisdictional or regional operations. Experience in regulatory and compliance matters is highly desirable, along with a background in international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to provide timely and effective legal advice, manage a high volume of legal matters, and possess excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat is required, along with a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a master’s degree or LL.M in law, which provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex legal issues and frameworks relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked in multijurisdictional or regional operations. Experience in regulatory and compliance matters is highly desirable, and familiarity with international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations is an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with candidates expected to score at least C2 on the CEFR. Proficiency in Spanish is also required, as it will enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, including health insurance. Applications must include a CV with contact details of three work-related references and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position is recruited locally, and applicants must have the legal right to work in India at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles. The organization is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and encourages women to apply. The position will remain open until filled.