Junior Legal Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. It focuses on enhancing the production systems of staple crops such as maize and wheat, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT aims to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive and resilient agrifood system. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership dedicated to reducing poverty and enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Junior Legal Counsel position at CIMMYT is designed for a proactive and results-driven individual who will assist the Regional Legal Counsel in providing comprehensive legal services. The role encompasses a variety of legal functions including contract management, legal research, compliance monitoring, and corporate governance. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the contract lifecycle, which involves drafting, reviewing, and managing agreements with both national and international entities. This position requires a strong understanding of legal frameworks and the ability to identify and mitigate risks associated with legal documents. The Junior Legal Counsel will also play a key role in ensuring compliance with institutional policies and legal obligations, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Legal Department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Legal Counsel will undertake a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Drafting, reviewing, and revising contracts and legal documents to ensure compliance with institutional standards and legal requirements.
• Conducting first-level legal reviews of contracts and other documents, identifying potential risks and issues for escalation.
• Supporting contract negotiation processes with various stakeholders, including internal clients and external partners.
• Preparing legal comments, summaries, and correspondence to facilitate institutional decision-making.
• Managing contract-related activities, including documentation verification and execution tracking.
• Maintaining organized legal files and records in accordance with confidentiality and information security protocols.
• Conducting legal research on relevant laws and regulations impacting CIMMYT's operations.
• Coordinating with external legal counsel as needed and monitoring compliance with legal obligations.
• Contributing to the development and improvement of Legal Department processes and systems. 1
• Representing the Legal Department in meetings and forums as delegated. 1
• Preparing training materials and guidance notes to promote legal compliance within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree (LL.B.) in Law from a recognized university, with an LL.M. being an advantage. A minimum of 4 years of experience in a legal support role, such as paralegal or contract administration, is required. Experience in an international or multicultural environment is preferred, particularly in contract lifecycle management and legal operations. Candidates should demonstrate strong legal drafting, research, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) from an accredited institution. An advanced degree, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.), will be considered a valuable asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and practices relevant to contract management and corporate governance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in legal support, contract administration, or a similar role within a law firm, international organization, or NGO. Experience in managing legal operations and supporting contract lifecycle management in a multicultural setting will be advantageous. Candidates should be adept at handling multiple legal matters simultaneously and possess strong organizational skills.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory, with a minimum C1 level on the CEFR scale. English language proficiency will be assessed during the recruitment process. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. CIMMYT provides a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance benefits. The recruitment process is local, and applicants must have the legal right to work in Bangladesh at the time of application. CIMMYT does not offer visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates are encouraged to apply online, and the application must include a CV and cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open until filled, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.