Country Office Legal Counsel – Philippines (Retainer)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, Relief International operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, which are crucial for fostering community resilience. In the Philippines, Relief International has a strong emphasis on peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and development programming, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters. The organization collaborates closely with local communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions to support conflict-affected populations and promote social cohesion. Since its establishment in the Philippines, Relief International has integrated gender equality, youth empowerment, and community resilience into its programs, ensuring that interventions address both immediate needs and long-term structural challenges.
Job Overview:
The Country Office Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in providing legal support to Relief International's operations in the Philippines. This position requires a Philippine-licensed lawyer who is in good professional standing and can deliver accessible, timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice. The Legal Counsel will work closely with various departments, including country leadership, HR, Finance, Awards and Partnerships, Supply Chain and Operations, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, as well as relevant global office colleagues. The primary purpose of this engagement is to maintain the organization's legal and regulatory standing in the Philippines, identify and manage legal risks, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. The Legal Counsel will be responsible for making legally informed decisions regarding employment, contracts, operations, and governance, while also maintaining appropriate documentation and compliance records. This role is essential for responding to government inquiries, complaints, disputes, and potential claims, and for coordinating Philippine legal requirements with RI's global policies and donor obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Counsel will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: advising Relief International on routine Philippine legal, regulatory, and corporate compliance requirements; providing legal advice and written opinions on operational matters, including disputes and resolutions related to employee-employer issues; reviewing contracts, agreements, MOUs, leases, and other organizational documents; providing notarial services during the contract period; maintaining appropriate records of work undertaken; and providing a summary of services with each invoice. The Legal Counsel will also be expected to deliver ongoing legal support throughout the contract period, ensuring that all advice, document reviews, and regulatory guidance are provided in a timely manner. Additionally, the Legal Counsel must notify RI of any services that fall outside the agreed scope and obtain written approval before undertaking additional work. It is important to note that litigation, court proceedings, and formal dispute resolution matters will require separate legal counsel and are not included in this scope of work.
Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a valid Philippine license to practice law and be in good professional standing. They should have demonstrated experience in Philippine corporate, regulatory, contractual, and general organizational law. Experience providing retained legal support to organizations, companies, NGOs, or international organizations is essential. Strong legal research, drafting, review, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to provide practical and timely legal advice. Familiarity with Philippine government regulatory and corporate compliance requirements is also necessary. Experience working with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of legal issues in the humanitarian sector.
Educational Background:
Candidates must have a law degree from a recognized institution and must have passed the Philippine Bar Examination to be eligible for this position. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas of law, particularly those related to corporate, regulatory, and humanitarian law, will be considered an asset. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles and practices applicable to the Philippine context, as well as an understanding of international legal frameworks that may impact the organization's operations.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in providing legal counsel to organizations operating in the Philippines. This experience should include a strong focus on corporate law, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters. Candidates with experience in the non-profit sector, especially those who have worked with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations, will be preferred. The ability to handle complex legal issues and provide strategic legal advice in a fast-paced environment is crucial for success in this role.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all legal documentation and communication will primarily be conducted in English. Proficiency in Filipino or other local dialects is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the Legal Counsel's ability to navigate the legal landscape in the Philippines. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where Relief International operates.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a retainer role, with services to be performed both remotely and in-person as reasonably required. The engagement is expected to last until November 2026, with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement, satisfactory performance, continued need, and availability of funding. The Legal Counsel will be required to undergo standard pre-engagement checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. The role is full-time, and the compensation package will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relief International is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable communities it serves and expects all staff to uphold the values outlined in its Code of Conduct.
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, Relief International operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, which are crucial for fostering community resilience. In the Philippines, Relief International has a strong emphasis on peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and development programming, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters. The organization collaborates closely with local communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions to support conflict-affected populations and promote social cohesion. Since its establishment in the Philippines, Relief International has integrated gender equality, youth empowerment, and community resilience into its programs, ensuring that interventions address both immediate needs and long-term structural challenges.
Job Overview:
The Country Office Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in providing legal support to Relief International's operations in the Philippines. This position requires a Philippine-licensed lawyer who is in good professional standing and can deliver accessible, timely, practical, and risk-informed legal advice. The Legal Counsel will work closely with various departments, including country leadership, HR, Finance, Awards and Partnerships, Supply Chain and Operations, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, as well as relevant global office colleagues. The primary purpose of this engagement is to maintain the organization's legal and regulatory standing in the Philippines, identify and manage legal risks, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. The Legal Counsel will be responsible for making legally informed decisions regarding employment, contracts, operations, and governance, while also maintaining appropriate documentation and compliance records. This role is essential for responding to government inquiries, complaints, disputes, and potential claims, and for coordinating Philippine legal requirements with RI's global policies and donor obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Counsel will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: advising Relief International on routine Philippine legal, regulatory, and corporate compliance requirements; providing legal advice and written opinions on operational matters, including disputes and resolutions related to employee-employer issues; reviewing contracts, agreements, MOUs, leases, and other organizational documents; providing notarial services during the contract period; maintaining appropriate records of work undertaken; and providing a summary of services with each invoice. The Legal Counsel will also be expected to deliver ongoing legal support throughout the contract period, ensuring that all advice, document reviews, and regulatory guidance are provided in a timely manner. Additionally, the Legal Counsel must notify RI of any services that fall outside the agreed scope and obtain written approval before undertaking additional work. It is important to note that litigation, court proceedings, and formal dispute resolution matters will require separate legal counsel and are not included in this scope of work.
Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a valid Philippine license to practice law and be in good professional standing. They should have demonstrated experience in Philippine corporate, regulatory, contractual, and general organizational law. Experience providing retained legal support to organizations, companies, NGOs, or international organizations is essential. Strong legal research, drafting, review, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to provide practical and timely legal advice. Familiarity with Philippine government regulatory and corporate compliance requirements is also necessary. Experience working with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations is highly desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of legal issues in the humanitarian sector.
Educational Background:
Candidates must have a law degree from a recognized institution and must have passed the Philippine Bar Examination to be eligible for this position. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas of law, particularly those related to corporate, regulatory, and humanitarian law, will be considered an asset. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles and practices applicable to the Philippine context, as well as an understanding of international legal frameworks that may impact the organization's operations.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, particularly in providing legal counsel to organizations operating in the Philippines. This experience should include a strong focus on corporate law, regulatory compliance, and contractual matters. Candidates with experience in the non-profit sector, especially those who have worked with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations, will be preferred. The ability to handle complex legal issues and provide strategic legal advice in a fast-paced environment is crucial for success in this role.
Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all legal documentation and communication will primarily be conducted in English. Proficiency in Filipino or other local dialects is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance the Legal Counsel's ability to navigate the legal landscape in the Philippines. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where Relief International operates.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a retainer role, with services to be performed both remotely and in-person as reasonably required. The engagement is expected to last until November 2026, with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement, satisfactory performance, continued need, and availability of funding. The Legal Counsel will be required to undergo standard pre-engagement checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. The role is full-time, and the compensation package will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Relief International is committed to safeguarding the vulnerable communities it serves and expects all staff to uphold the values outlined in its Code of Conduct.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.