Legal Assistant to the General Counsel

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Position Title: Legal Assistant to the General Counsel
Location: Texcoco de Mora
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 improving the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for basic cereals, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, which is a global 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 and collaborates with various stakeholders to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to sustainable agricultural practices and aims to create a more productive and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant to the General Counsel at CIMMYT plays a crucial role in supporting the General Counsel in various legal and administrative tasks. This position requires a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional who can manage internal and external communications, draft and prepare legal documents, and maintain confidential files. The Legal Assistant will also be responsible for managing complex calendars, conducting research, and providing support for contract management activities. The role demands a proactive approach to ensure that all deadlines are met and that the legal team operates efficiently. The Legal Assistant will be involved in optimizing processes and implementing tools to streamline workflow within the Legal Department, making it essential for the candidate to have strong organizational and communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Assistant include providing comprehensive daily support to the General Counsel, managing communications, drafting legal documents, maintaining confidential files, and handling special projects. The candidate will manage complex calendar schedules, ensuring all logistical aspects of meetings are arranged, and provide timely reminders for upcoming meetings. They will conduct research to support decision-making, summarize findings, and assist with contract management activities, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts. The Legal Assistant will also perform administrative tasks such as processing expense reports, organizing travel arrangements, and managing departmental activities. Additionally, they will act as a primary point of contact between the General Counsel and stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in law, administration, or related fields. A minimum of five years of experience as an Executive Assistant in a law firm or similar role is required. The candidate should demonstrate experience in a highly confidential environment, possess exceptional organizational skills, and have a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to multi-task and work independently in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should also exhibit high ethical standards and sound judgment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor’s degree in law, administration, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding legal concepts and effectively supporting the General Counsel in various legal matters.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of experience as an Executive Assistant, preferably in a large law firm or similar environment. This experience should include working at the executive level and handling confidential information, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. The candidate will be required to take an English test and must achieve a minimum score of C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes benefits beyond the provisions of Mexican Labor Law. These benefits include a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits provided by Mexican institutions (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, near Mexico City, and is a full-time role.