General Counsel

tendersglobal.net

Job Description

In this role, you will have the exciting opportunity to make an immediate impact at WRI as a member of its Global Executive Team reporting to the President/CEO.

As a leader familiar with international non-profits who understands the role of in-house counsel within a global context and can strike a balance between good customer service and risk mitigation, you will advance WRI’s mission. You will lead with strong ethics to support WRI’s mission and values while building trusted relationships to operate in a complex environment.

What will you do:

Key areas of responsibility include:

Trusted Legal Advisor:

As a member of the organization’s global executive team, provide advice and counsel to senior leaders in the organization
Partner with programs leads to provide guidance, legal opinion, and, when necessary, review of issues. Oversee the safety and security function and develop safety-related protocols
In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, manage insurance coverages and limits.
Partner with the HR team regarding matters related to relevant employment and labor laws and internal investigations
Partner with the Finance team on tax, audit, and other financial matters

Risk Management:

Proactively and creatively evaluate risk factors impacting business decisions, including receipt of donor funding, registering in new countries, entering into contracts with different types of entities, programmatic risk (particularly exposure of industries), and establishing policies and procedures
Anticipate legal issues that could impact the organization
Advise on potential liability and areas of risk for WRI.
Oversee intellectual property matters, including copyrights and trademarks, data privacy and security matters
Advise on global employment law issues and people-related risks

International Operations/Globalization:

Advise on the organization’s global operations and expansion, oversee office registration and closing processes, and assess advantages of registration type
Support compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for WRI globally, including its multiple offices and affiliates

Investigations:

Advise on investigations into employee complaints around the globe
Support WRI’s Chief People Officer (CPO) in implementing a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace policy
Serve as a key member of the newly-formed resolution team that ensures allegations of inappropriate conduct are treated consistently across all offices and at all levels of the organization

Compliance and Ethics:

Be knowledgeable about and anticipate legislative and regulatory changes affecting the organization, especially industry-specific issues (e.g., tax-exempt organizations and international non-governmental organizations), employment law, corporate governance, compliance and regulatory affairs
Familiarity with governmental and donor lobbying rules
Advisory support for development and implementation of legal policies and procedures

Corporate Secretary:

Working closely with the Board of Directors and the Chief Financial Officer will staff the Audit and Risk Management Committee
Advise on matters of corporate governance, WRI’s tax-exempt status compliance obligations, and matters of strategic importance to the Board

Management of External Counsel:

Build, coordinate and manage a network of external counsel that can respond to legal issues and regulations impacting WRI’s operations worldwide
Oversee all disputes and litigation, including managing outside counsel representing WRI

What will you need:

Education:

Law degree from an ABA accredited law school

Legal Experience:

Minimum of 15 years of post-degree legal experience, including experience in a senior in-house counsel role. Legal experience working internationally with a demonstrable track record of handling a wide variety of legal and compliance issues a leading NGO faces in its work around the globe Eligible to practice law in the District of Columbia or ability to waive in

Source: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/oq0kqfwU

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