Legal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT employs applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards 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 a food-secure future, focusing on reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/es/

Job Overview:
The Legal Counsel position is designed to support the Intellectual Assets Legal Counsel within the Intellectual Assets (IP) Unit of the Legal Department. The role involves providing legal assistance on matters related to intellectual property, research collaborations, and technology transfer activities. The Legal Counsel will play a crucial role in managing the contract life cycle of agreements associated with CIMMYT’s research and innovation activities, ensuring compliance with CIMMYT’s intellectual assets policies. This position requires close collaboration with scientific and operational teams to analyze and address legal matters pertaining to intellectual property, plant genetic resources, and the dissemination of research outputs. The Legal Counsel will also contribute to the development and improvement of legal processes, guidelines, and internal procedures related to the services provided by the Legal Department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Legal Counsel include supporting the implementation and adoption of CIMMYT’s Intellectual Property policies and the CGIAR Intellectual Asset Principles. This involves ensuring that all agreements, research activities, and institutional practices align with these policies, applicable international treaties, and relevant national legislation. The Legal Counsel will manage and implement intellectual asset management and technology transfer activities by reviewing and assisting in the negotiation of agreements related to intellectual property, including license agreements, material transfer agreements (MTAs), and other agreements governing the use and dissemination of technologies and research outputs. Additionally, the Legal Counsel will participate in the development and improvement of legal processes, guidelines, and internal procedures related to the legal services provided by the Legal Department.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess four (4) years of professional legal experience in areas involving intellectual property, research collaboration, or commercial/corporate law, ideally within a company, research organization, or law firm. Experience in the review, drafting, and negotiation of agreements is essential, with a preference for candidates who have experience reviewing agreements related to intellectual property, research collaborations, or licensing. Familiarity with the registration or management of intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, or plant breeders’ rights, is considered an asset. Exposure to legal frameworks governing plant genetic resources, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, or national legislation on access to genetic resources will also be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a strong educational background in law, with a focus on intellectual property, corporate law, or related fields. A degree in law from a recognized institution is mandatory, and additional qualifications or certifications in intellectual property law or related areas will be considered beneficial.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in legal roles that involve intellectual property, research collaboration, or corporate law. This experience should include a strong focus on the review, drafting, and negotiation of legal agreements, particularly those related to intellectual property and technology transfer.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in English is mandatory, with an advanced level (C1/C2) required for effective communication in this role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which CIMMYT operates.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and foreign national candidates must possess the legal documents necessary to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.