Legal Counsel

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Counsel
Location: Singapore
Country: Singapore
Deadline Date: September 4th, 2024 11:59 PM PST

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Population Services International (PSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of poor and vulnerable populations in developing countries. Established with a mission to provide health services and education, PSI operates in over 60 countries and employs more than 8,000 individuals globally. The organization has an annual budget exceeding $500 million, which supports various health initiatives and programs. PSI's structure includes a central office in Washington, D.C., and numerous country offices that are supported by a dedicated team of over 200 staff members who provide programmatic and administrative services. The organization is divided into four main operational areas, referred to as 'Global Services', which encompass more than 20 departments. For more detailed information about PSI's mission, structure, and strategic initiatives, interested parties can visit their official website at www.psi.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Counsel at Population Services International (PSI) in Singapore involves providing comprehensive legal services to support the organization's operations in the region. The selected candidate will be responsible for navigating the legal landscape in Singapore, particularly concerning governance and entity registrations. This role is crucial for PSI as it seeks to establish a holding company in Singapore that can facilitate operations in surrounding markets such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Legal Counsel will be expected to conduct thorough research and analysis to determine the viability of utilizing an entity in Singapore as a holding company, while also providing options for entity types that meet governance, tax, and legal requirements. The position requires a proactive approach to legal compliance and the ability to effectively communicate legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders within the organization. The Legal Counsel will also be involved in the application process for necessary business licenses and will work closely with PSI's internal teams to ensure that all legal obligations are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Counsel include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducting a comprehensive legal landscape analysis in Singapore to assess the feasibility of establishing a holding company for PSI's operations in the region.
• Providing detailed options for entity types, including governance structures, tax implications, and legal considerations.
• Completing the application process for entity registration on behalf of PSI, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Preparing and submitting the necessary documentation to relevant agencies in Singapore for business licenses and registrations.
• Delivering a legal and tax memorandum that outlines the requirements and implications of the new entity registration.
• Organizing a kickoff call with PSI to discuss the scope of work and expectations.
• Preparing PSI’s New Entity Request Form and ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
• Compiling a document or packet that details the governance and filing requirements for the new entity, ensuring that PSI is fully informed of its obligations.
• Collaborating with PSI's internal teams to provide legal guidance and support throughout the registration process. 1
• Maintaining clear and effective communication with PSI regarding any legal developments or changes that may impact the organization’s operations in Singapore.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Legal Counsel position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal qualification from a recognized institution.
• Admission to practice law in Singapore, with a strong understanding of local laws and regulations.
• Proven experience in corporate law, particularly in entity registration and governance matters.
• Familiarity with the legal landscape in Singapore, including knowledge of tax laws and compliance requirements for non-profit organizations.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex legal documents and provide clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach to legal challenges, with a commitment to supporting PSI's mission and objectives.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Legal Counsel position must have a strong educational background, including:

• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Additional qualifications or certifications in corporate law, tax law, or non-profit law will be considered an asset.
• Continuous professional development in relevant legal areas is encouraged to stay updated with changes in laws and regulations affecting non-profit organizations in Singapore.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in corporate law or legal counsel roles within non-profit organizations. Experience working with international organizations or in a multi-jurisdictional context is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully navigating legal processes related to entity registration and governance in Singapore.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all documents and correspondence related to the RFP must be submitted in English. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Southeast Asian region, such as Mandarin or Malay, would be considered advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contractual engagement with a focus on providing legal services for a specific scope of work. The contract duration will be determined based on the project requirements and may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The role is classified as remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Compensation will be based on the consultant's rates as outlined in the financial proposal, and bidders are encouraged to provide competitive pricing. Proposals must remain valid for at least ninety (90) days from the date of receipt.