Legal Assistant, specializing in Board Support

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Position Title: Legal Assistant, specializing in Board Support
Location: Texcoco de Mora
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, fostering partnerships that enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive and resilient agrifood system. CIMMYT is committed to reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources, making it a vital player in the global effort for a food-secure future. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, energetic, and customer-focused professional to join our Legal Department as a Legal Assistant, specializing in Board Support. This position is crucial for providing comprehensive support to the Contract Life Cycle Management, which includes drafting, reviewing, negotiating, amending, and managing contracts and agreements with both national and international entities. The Legal Assistant will also assist the General Counsel in preparing and coordinating board meetings, ensuring that all necessary materials are prepared and communicated effectively to board members. The role requires maintaining and organizing all board-related documents, ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality, and providing logistical support for board meetings, including travel and hospitality arrangements. The Legal Assistant will also be responsible for managing a high volume of tasks and projects, ensuring that deadlines are met and priorities are maintained, while participating in the optimization of legal service processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing support for the Contract Life Cycle Management, which encompasses drafting, reviewing, negotiating, amending, and managing contracts and agreements; assisting the General Counsel in preparing and coordinating board meetings, including drafting agendas and preparing meeting materials; maintaining and organizing all board-related documents such as minutes, resolutions, and reports; providing logistical support for Board of Trustees meetings, including travel arrangements and hospitality; preparing agendas and taking minutes during meetings; capturing action items and ensuring follow-up; making expense reports and processing payments; liaising with Procurement for service requests; assisting with data management integral to the Department; curating agreements and document databases; managing and tracking tasks and projects; ensuring proper follow-up on assigned tasks; and participating in the ongoing optimization of legal service processes.

Required Qualifications:
The selected candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in law and have at least 4 years of experience working with a Board of Directors or a Corporate Governance Body. Strong organizational skills are essential, reflecting the ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment with frequent changes in priorities. The candidate must maintain a high level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information. Proficiency in both English and Spanish is required, with a minimum C2 score on the English test as per CEFR. Proficient computer skills are necessary, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat, along with a willingness to learn new software as needed. Excellent organizational, writing, research, and communication skills are also required, particularly the ability to convey legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in law is required for this position, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in legal principles and practices necessary for supporting the Legal Department effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, particularly in roles that involve working with a Board of Directors or similar governance bodies. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage legal documentation and support board-related activities effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. The candidate must pass an English test with a minimum score of C2 as per 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 such as IMSS, SAR, and Infonavit. The position is based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, near Mexico City.