Assistant to Legal Department (m-f-d)

To effectively meet the challenge of protecting the world’s forests, we are committed to have the world’s most skilled people working with us. We are currently looking for an engaged Assistant to join and support the Legal Department.

This position will enable you to work in a very international and culturally diverse environment. You will gain experience and contribute to the success of the legal team in a unique and dynamic sector and setting. 

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Legal, you will be responsible for the administration and support of the centralized Group Legal Department with all its business matters and clients of the FSC Group. You will collaborate closely with the Legal Assistant to support the whole team.

• To carry out general administrative tasks, such as:

1. responding to incoming requests, managing mails and informing colleagues about new requests
2. coordinating and organizing meetings and travel arrangements for the team.
3. managing, organizing, filing and checking completeness of (legal) documents.
4. supporting all units in the contract processes established in the organization.
5. maintaining databases, e.g., for contracts, legal documents, invoices.
6. checking and processing invoices.
7. taking minutes of meetings.
8. creating Excel overviews, e.g., for reports, budgets or vacation overview.
9. preparing and conducting training on internal procedures to staff.

• Participating in and co-leading contract coordination efforts involving legal counsels and senior team members at FSC International, in close collaboration with the Legal Assistant.
• Supporting FSC staff with contract life cycle management related issues.
• Supporting the team by verifying, tracking, and monitoring of deadlines including expiry checks.
• Proofreading contracts and other legal documents and translating legal documents.
• Engagement of and checking proper work from external translators.
• Preparing and proofreading of presentations and other overview documents.
• Collaborating with internal and external clients and preparing related writs.
• Supporting trademark enforcement cases by performing search and clearance activities and creating cease-and-desist letters for our trademark counsels.
• Supporting with procuring legal services by:
  1. responding to internal requests for the purchase of legal services.
  2. conducting RFQ (request for quotation) and RFP (request for proposal) processes for legal services including review, negotiation, reporting and alignment with the legal and team.
  3. serving as the co-liaison person between the procurement team and legal team.
  4. answering questions concerning the proper implementation of the applicable; procurement policies and procedures related to legal services.

• Successful education or training as an Assistant, Secretary, Paralegal, Multilingual Secretary, Office Manager or similar (for candidates apprenticed in Germany: “Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte(r)”, “Fremdsprachensekretär/in”, “Bürokauffrau/-kaufmann”, “geprüfte(r) Rechtsfachwirt/in”, “Diplom-Jurist”, “Wirtschaftsjurist” oder vergleichbar).
• Ideally 2 or more years of professional experience in working in an administrative position, preferably in in the legal and/or finance and/or compliance department of an international organization.
• Experience in dealing with notaries, authorities, external clients, courts and law firms is desirable.
• Fluency in English and German (spoken and written).
• Spanish and/or French is a big advantage.
• Enjoying administrative work.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize workload effectively in a fast-paced environment. Service-oriented attitude to work focusing on solving tasks with a strong sense for diligence and accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships.
• Proficient with the use of the standard software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with contract databases or general knowledge management platforms is an asset.
• Experience in SharePoint, Office 365 / Dynamics 365, DocuSign and SAP is a big plus.
• Ability to work well as a member of a multi-cultural, inter-disciplinary, multi-lingual, global team.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong motivation and dedication to support FSC’s values and mission through excellent individual performance.

• Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the world’s forests.
• Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in-person at least once a year.
• Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
• Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including relocation assistance if needed, and investment in training and development opportunities (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Learning Lunches and more) to advance your career.
• Explore the vibrant federal city of Bonn, home to Beethoven, Haribo, and the beautiful Rhein River promenade including many urban parks and close access to nature. As Germany’s UN City and second capital, Bonn is an international city with a rich cultural heritage, recently celebrating its 2000th anniversary. Learn more about the city or take a virtual stroll.
• Embrace work-life balance: beyond Bonn’s borders, unlock Europe’s wonders with 30 working days of vacation at your disposal. Whether it’s skiing in the Swiss Alps or basking in the sun on Mediterranean shores, your European adventures await.

• Location: Bonn, Germany.

• Working Hours: Full time – 40 hours per week or part time – 20 -30 hours per week.

• Duration of Employment: 2 years with intent to extend. 

• Starting Date: As soon as possible.

How to Apply 

Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don’t delay – apply now!

• Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English

• Please do not send any photos of yourself.

• The deadline for applications is 08 September 2024. 

For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.   

We will confirm receipt of your application. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at careers@fsc.org

Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.

We are looking forward to your application!

 

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Welcome to FSC!
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world’s forests.