Corporate Legal Counsel

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Position Title: Corporate Legal Counsel
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 to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. As a core CGIAR Research entity, 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. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Corporate Legal Counsel. This role is crucial for providing valuable legal guidance and support in contract negotiation, compliance with regulations, risk management, and other critical legal matters for the Legal Department. The position will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, near Mexico City. The Corporate Legal Counsel will be responsible for executing and implementing the Contract Life Cycle Management, which includes the development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment, and release of various agreements entered by CIMMYT with its national and international partners. The role requires research and analysis of treaties, laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance and provide legal counsel in diverse areas such as corporate, criminal, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, and litigation legislation. The Corporate Legal Counsel will also identify and assess legal risks associated with CIMMYT's activities and operations, develop risk management strategies, and provide pragmatic legal advice to assist the business in achieving its goals legally and ethically.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Corporate Legal Counsel include executing and implementing the Contract Life Cycle Management for various agreements, researching and analyzing legal frameworks, providing legal counsel in multiple areas, drafting legal documents, identifying and assessing legal risks, developing risk management strategies, maintaining and improving legal processes, assisting in corporate policy development, participating in business strategy development, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, tracking entrusted matters, representing CIMMYT before government agencies, supporting corporate governance functions, overseeing staff and consultants, preparing educational materials, collaborating with finance on corporate duties, managing external counsel coordination, and offering legal advice on labor and employment-related policies. The role also involves any other tasks requested by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The selected candidate must possess a master’s degree or LL.M. and have at least 8 years of proven experience in corporate law and commercial/contract law as an in-house lawyer. Additional experience or knowledge in areas related to agriculture research and development in the private and/or public sectors is considered an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to provide timely and efficient legal and business advice at all organizational levels, manage a high volume of matters, work well under pressure, and prioritize multiple assignments effectively. Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. The candidate should be a strategic thinker with a sense of urgency and commitment to responsibilities and deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires a master’s degree or LL.M. in law, which provides the necessary educational foundation for understanding complex legal issues and frameworks relevant to the role of Corporate Legal Counsel.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 8 years of proven experience in corporate law and commercial/contract law, ideally with experience as an in-house lawyer. Additional experience in agriculture research and development sectors is advantageous, as it aligns with CIMMYT's mission and operational context.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates will be tested on their English proficiency, with a minimum required score of C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package along with support for continuous professional development. The benefits package includes provisions under Mexican Labor Law, 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 under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is full-time and based in Texcoco, Mexico.