Regional Legal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing global agricultural challenges. Established to enhance the productivity and sustainability of maize and wheat production, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South, focusing on improving the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. The organization collaborates with various partners to foster innovation in agricultural science and technology, aiming to create resilient agrifood systems. CIMMYT's mission is to ensure security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improve the quality of life for millions of people by enhancing the quantity, quality, and dependability of cereal production systems. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, emphasizing partnerships and collaboration to achieve its goals. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Regional Legal Counsel position is a critical in-house role at CIMMYT, responsible for providing comprehensive legal support across the organization's operations in the region. The individual in this position will advise on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and legal transactions. The role is essential for ensuring that CIMMYT's operations are legally compliant and that the organization effectively manages legal risks. The Regional Legal Counsel will work closely with various departments, including Research, Finance, HR, and Procurement, to provide timely and practical legal advice that aligns with CIMMYT's institutional objectives. This position requires a proactive approach to legal support, ensuring that all legal services are delivered efficiently and effectively across CIMMYT's regional operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in promoting consistency in legal interpretations and applications of institutional policies and procedures, thereby contributing to the overall success of CIMMYT's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Legal Counsel include executing and coordinating the entire Contract Life Cycle Management process, which encompasses the development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment, quality control, and archiving of various legal instruments such as grants, contracts, and agreements. The counsel will provide timely legal advice across multiple jurisdictions, focusing on corporate, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, and litigation matters. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement policies that ensure regulatory compliance and ethical practices. The Regional Legal Counsel will also be responsible for identifying and assessing legal risks, developing risk management strategies, and providing strategic legal advice to support CIMMYT's business objectives. Other responsibilities include monitoring legal requests, preparing educational materials, and representing the Legal Department before external stakeholders as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Regional Legal Counsel position must possess a master's degree or LL.M in law, along with at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel. Experience in supporting multijurisdictional or regional operations is preferred, along with a strong background in providing legal support for institutional matters and cross-functional initiatives. Knowledge of international legal frameworks and the ability to navigate complex legal environments are essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven track record of managing complex legal matters, possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and have a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree or LL.M in law. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of legal frameworks and providing effective legal counsel in a diverse range of areas relevant to CIMMYT's operations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel. Candidates should have experience working in similar roles, preferably within international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations. The ability to manage multiple priorities and complex legal matters simultaneously is crucial, as is the capacity to work well under pressure and meet deadlines consistently.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, with a minimum score of C2 on the CEFR. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within CIMMYT's multicultural environment and for providing legal advice across diverse jurisdictions.

Additional Notes:
The Regional Legal Counsel position offers an attractive remuneration package, including benefits that exceed the provisions of Mexican Labor Law. Benefits include a year-end bonus, vacation premium, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, and a savings fund. The position is full-time, and candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values diversity and gender equality. The position will remain open until filled, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.