IN24158 Legal Counsel

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances 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.  

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Legal Counsel. The selected candidate will work in the Legal Department.

The position will be based in Delhi.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute and implement the Contract Life Cycle Management (development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment and release, quality control and archiving) of grants, subgrants, research collaboration, consultancy, vendor, lease, host country, nondisclosure, and a wide variety of ad hoc agreements entered by CIMMYT with its national and international (private and public) partners and service providers, globally.
• Research and analyze treaties, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures from a variety of legal areas and jurisdictions where CIMMYT operates to ensure its compliance; provide legal counsel and advice in diverse areas, including all areas related to corporate, criminal, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, and litigation legislation; draft legal opinions, notes, letters, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Ensure proper follow-up of entrusted matters, tracking these in the provided dashboards and KPI monitoring tools that will be used to prepare the progress update to the relevant areas and the timely completion of service ticketing systems requests for the review and drafting of various agreements and legal matters.
• Ensure that CIMMYT is up to date with any legal and regulatory requirements in the Country and the Region, providing legal support and advice, including but not limited to privacy and data protection, ethics in research, occupational health and safety, phytosanitary, environmental matters, working with CSP and Programs to align operations, policies, and procedures.
• Provide legal support for updating, developing, and implementing policies, procedures, processes, and other operational changes necessary to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with CIMMYT activities and operations and develop risk management strategies to mitigate legal liabilities and safeguard the CIMMYT interest.
• Provide pragmatic and collaborative day-to-day legal advice to assist the business in achieving its goals/objectives legally, compliantly, and ethically and support higher-level legal counsel.
• Maintain, improve, implement, and monitor processes, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and tools that allow the Department to provide accurate and timely services.
• Support the corporate governance functions, issuance, and management of power of attorney, drafting, formalizing minutes, and other CIMMYT Statutory obligations.
• Provide legal support with respect to institutional compliance in the context of all legislation arising from different legal frameworks.
• Support the Compliance Function, particularly for case management (entry, closing, follow-up, etc.) in coordination with HR, ensuring that all of the information required is obtained and properly documented, including filing the dashboards and reports necessary to ensure complaints are processed in a timely manner.
• Represent CIMMYT before different Government Agencies. Represent the Legal Department and CIMMYT before different authorities and forums.
• Prepare educational materials for Staff and stakeholders to support institutional research policies and procedures.
• Support drafting, reviewing, implementing, communicating, and updating CIMMYT’s legal policies and procedures.
• Prepare educational materials for Staff and stakeholders to support institutional research policies and procedures. Support the drafting, review, implementation, communication, and update of CIMMYT’s legal policies and procedures.
• Prepare guides, training materials, and training on the Contract Life Cycle and tools offered by the Legal Department.
• Collaborate with Finance and provide counsel regarding legal implications in connection to new tax regulations.
• Provide legal advice on labor and employment-related policies, regional and local laws, and regulations, conduct legal research, and advise on potential legal risks.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by their supervisor.

• Degree in Law, a Master’s degree/LL.M is desirable.
• At least 5 years of experience working in a similar position.
• Additional experience or knowledge in areas related to agriculture research and development in the private and/or public sectors is an advantage.

• Ability to provide timely and efficient legal and business advice at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of matters at any given time, work well under pressure, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments, and effectively manage deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate legal concepts in a plain manner to lay (non-legal) stakeholders.
• Enough computer skills (at a minimum: Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat) and willingness to learn/master other programs and software as necessary.
• High ethical standards with a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Customer Orientation, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, and Multi-Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, with a range of benefits including health insurance.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on August 28th, 2024.

Applications must include a CV, a cover letter, and the contact details (phone number and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that our HR department can contact them).

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.