Governance and Legal Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, Relief International operates in various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on delivering essential services such as Health and Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Education, and Livelihoods programming. With a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, Relief International collaborates with local actors to implement safe, evidence-based programs that effectively reach those most in need. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from candidates with lived experiences relevant to the contexts in which they work, aiming to create a representative and authentic workplace.

Job Overview:
The Governance and Legal Operations Manager position at Relief International is a pivotal role within the Legal, Ethics & Compliance team, designed for a candidate who is passionate about governance and legal operations in a global humanitarian context. This full-time, remote position is integral to ensuring the effective governance of Relief International's network, which includes entities in the United States, United Kingdom, and France. The successful candidate will lead the corporate secretariat function, working closely with the Chief Legal, Ethics & Compliance Officer, executive leadership, and board members to maintain compliance and efficiency in governance processes. The role encompasses overseeing board and committee governance, statutory compliance, and legal operations systems, while also supporting compliance initiatives and managing legal risks. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to engage with stakeholders across multiple countries and time zones, ultimately contributing to the organization's accountability and decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Governance and Legal Operations Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: leading governance processes for Relief International's boards and committees, ensuring meetings are well-managed and compliant; managing governance calendars, board papers, resolutions, minutes, action logs, and board member engagement across the three RI entities; coordinating Senior Leadership Team governance processes, including agenda preparation, decision tracking, and action management; overseeing statutory and regulatory compliance requirements across the US, UK, and French entities, ensuring timely filings and accurate governance records; managing legal operations systems, including powers of attorney, delegations of authority, signatory registers, and legal records management; leading the annual conflict-of-interest declaration process and maintaining governance compliance registers; conducting legal and compliance research on various topics such as data protection, sanctions, safeguarding, anti-bribery, and anti-money laundering; and developing governance tools and guidance materials to strengthen governance and compliance practices across the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in governance, legal operations, compliance, corporate secretariat, paralegal, or related legal administration roles. They should have significant experience supporting boards, committees, and senior leadership teams, including the preparation of governance documentation and minute-taking. A demonstrated understanding of governance, regulatory, and compliance issues relevant to non-profit organizations is essential, particularly concerning conflicts of interest, sanctions, anti-bribery, and data protection. Excellent organizational, project management, and administrative skills are required, along with a keen attention to detail and quality assurance. Candidates must exhibit strong judgment, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential matters, and must be able to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines. Strong written and spoken English communication skills and stakeholder management capabilities are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background, typically a degree in law, governance, compliance, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in governance or legal studies may be advantageous, as they demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in governance and legal operations within a non-profit context.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in governance, legal operations, or compliance roles, ideally within an international NGO or multi-entity organization. Experience in a governance-intensive environment is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of governance across different jurisdictions. Familiarity with governance frameworks in the US, UK, or France will be beneficial, and experience working with boards and senior leadership teams is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as strong written and spoken communication skills are essential for this role. Familiarity with French is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with stakeholders in the French entity of Relief International and enhance the candidate's ability to operate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a permanent, full-time role that offers a competitive salary of approximately £40,000 per annum. Relief International is committed to safeguarding all individuals encountered through its work and expects all staff and volunteers to uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the organization's Code of Conduct. The recruitment process includes standard pre-employment checks, such as criminal records self-declaration and references. Due to the nature of this role, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position may be filled before the closing date of October 8, 202

• Early applications are encouraged.