The Senior Legal Counsel is accountable for supporting the General Counsel in the legal aspects of The Foundation’s work, in a way that is aligned to The Foundation’s Values and Strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Senior Legal Counsel will own the outcomes of:  

• Supporting the General Counsel across a range of legal matters in 20+ countries.
• Provide effective and timely legal advice to the business as requested, including reviewing and advising on contracts, intellectual property (including trademark management), corporate and government law matters, being cognizant of the not-for-profit international development sector and The Foundation’s context and reputation.
• Provide global employment law support including instructing local external counsel where required.
• Support and advise on the legal aspects of change activity including monitoring relevant local legislation, entering new jurisdictions and where relevant exit.
• Support the General Counsel in legal aspects of internal investigations such as safeguarding, financial crime and speak – up and disciplinary matters.
• Support on contracts simplifications and templates to improve usability and efficiency and conduct staff contracts management training.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on legal aspects of projects including engagement with external legal, governance, accounting, regulatory and industry bodies where appropriate.
• Support on new funding model development and structures ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate within the Legal Governance Risk & Compliance team to enhance delivery of services to stakeholders.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED 

• A Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree or equivalent with an active Practicing Licence.
• At least six (6) years’ experience with autonomous provision of legal services in an in-house environment at a top-tier legal firm or international NGO.
• Experience in several of the following legal fields: contracts; cross border transactions; corporate governance; employment and change projects.
• Experience in one or more of the following key jurisdictions outside Australia: Hong Kong; Singapore; Kenya, UK; US.
• Experience with cross-border commercial initiatives, employment law and international governance.
• Energetic self-starter with the resilience, pace, interpersonal flexibility and comfort to deal with ambiguity, diversity and change to succeed within the evolving demands of a development organisation operating across 25+ countries.
• Ability to work independently in an agile and diverse environment.
• Ability to wear two hats in a small legal team, recognise conflicts and manage appropriately.
• Passion for legal services and for being part of a dynamic and effective organisation.