The Organization
Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and Brussels, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff, consultants, and interns worldwide, SFCG implements projects in 30 countries including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. The organization is an exciting and rewarding place in which to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff who love SFCG’s mission and believe in the organization’s approach. You will be joining highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.
Summary of Position
The Legal Affairs Advisor acts as a compliance manager to reduce the organization’s risks and liability, and to ensure best practice in the areas of contract agreements with vendors, partner organizations, and employees; country program registration; IT compliance; international property rights; and employment visa processing for staff. In addition, the post holder may carry out other law-related assignments as needs arise. The position is located in Washington, DC; reports to the Executive Vice President; works closely with the Senior Manager for Human Resources; and is the Staff person who works with the Board of Directors’ Legal Affairs Committee.
Responsibilities
• Review, advise on, and negotiate, when applicable, contracts & contracts-related issues (including employment, funder, partner organization, and vendor contracts).
• Review and advise on internal policies.
• Advise and ensure organizational compliance with external international nonprofit policies.
• Advise and aid on risk assessment discussions, insurance, and issues for the organization.
• Provide expertise in the area of in-country registration for our programs.
• Work closely with our IT department on intellectual property rights in relation to the organization’s program outputs.
• Provide expertise in the area of employment visa processing.
• Be the main liaison for the organization with our pool of pro bono attorneys.
• Recruit and maintain contacts for existing and new pro bono attorneys.
• Provide legal counsel to our in-country staff on any range of issues.
• Gather and maintain a roster of our international legal counsel.
• Liaise with international legal counsel on pending cases and issues.
• Be the main point person for the organization with the Board of Directors’ Legal Affairs Committee.
• Prepare quarterly status reports on legal affairs for the Executive Team and Board of Directors.
• Work closely with the Human Resources team to ensure severance liability for each office is up to date and compliant.
As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position-holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Essential:
• Minimum of five years’ professional experience as a Legal Specialist/Advisor in an international NGO.
• LLM and/or a Juris Doctorate required.
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Team-player and positive, flexible personality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and tight deadlines.
• Proactive and able to work independently.
• Ability to identify and solve problems on an immediate basis.
• Computer literacy proficiency, including solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Apps; and using the Internet for research.
Desirable:
• Native language English and fluent in French and/or Arabic, a big plus.
• Interest and knowledge of peacebuilding and conflict transformation
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience, with excellent benefits.
How to apply:
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to employment@sfcg.org or fax to +1 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading: Legal Affairs Advisor. Please be sure to include minimum salary requirements or current salary (in US$), projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.
Search for Common Ground Legal Affairs Advisor
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