Legal Advisory Services for the Transition of Relief International Philippines' Legal Registration and Organizational Affiliation

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. The organization aims to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established in 2000, Relief International operates in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on various sectors including Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods. The organization has a workforce of over 1,000 employees and collaborates with local communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions to deliver impactful humanitarian assistance and development programming.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing legal advisory services to facilitate the transition of Relief International's legal registration in the Philippines from its current affiliation with Relief International Inc. (US) to Relief International-France (RI-France). The contractor will conduct legal research and provide advisory services to assess the current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration and organizational structure of RI Philippines. The role requires a thorough understanding of Philippine laws and regulations, as well as the implications of various legal options available for the transition. The contractor will be expected to deliver a comprehensive legal research and advisory report that outlines the current status, legal analysis, implementation requirements, cost assessments, and key implications and risks associated with the transition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an inception briefing within three days of engagement to understand RI Philippines’ current SEC registration and corporate structure, identify key legal questions, and propose a research approach.
• Prepare a comprehensive legal research and advisory report within five days of the inception briefing, covering the current status assessment, legal analysis of viable options, implementation requirements, cost assessments, and key implications and risks.
• Present the findings and recommendations to RI management within two days of submitting the report, addressing any clarification questions and revising the report as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Philippine laws, SEC rules, and regulations throughout the advisory process.
• Maintain communication with RI to request necessary documents and provide periodic updates on progress.
• Uphold RI’s commitment to safeguarding and ethical conduct throughout the engagement.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a strong legal background with expertise in Philippine corporate law, SEC registration, and governance. They should have a proven track record of providing legal advisory services, particularly in the context of non-profit organizations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to the humanitarian principles and values upheld by Relief International.

Educational Background:
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal qualification is required. Additional certifications or specializations in corporate law, non-profit law, or regulatory compliance will be considered an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the legal landscape in the Philippines, particularly concerning non-profit organizations and SEC regulations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in providing advisory services to non-profit organizations or similar entities. Experience in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and advising on corporate governance matters is essential. Familiarity with the regulatory environment in the Philippines and experience working with government agencies will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Filipino or other local languages is considered a plus, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract lasting for 10 days, with a focus on delivering specific legal advisory services. The contractor will be classified as an independent contractor and will be required to undergo standard pre-employment checks. The payment structure includes an initial payment of 50% upon signing the engagement and a final payment of 50% upon acceptance of the comprehensive report and completion of the management consultation session. The contractor is expected to adhere to RI’s policies on confidentiality and safeguarding throughout the engagement.