Intellectual Property Counsel CIMMYT, INT. Texcoco, Edo. de Méx., Mexico

CIMMYT is seeking a highly motivated candidate that would like to commit his/her skills and experience in the negotiation, contracting and licensing of Intellectual Property to contributing to global food security and reducing poverty in a not-for-profit environment. The successful candidate will take a key role in the development of public-private partnership and consortia type agreements within CIMMYT’s Legal & IP team, and in interaction with public and privates sector partners worldwide, in particular the multinational biosciences sector.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT International headquarters close to Mexico City, and will report to the CIMMYT General Counsel. It requires flexibility for travelling to other CIMMYT offices around the world and interact with partner organizations. 

The selected candidate will engage in the following activities: 
• Provide legal transactional and advisory support for CIMMYT’s public-private partnerships (PPPs) portfolio, including with multinationals. 
• Negotiate terms and devise agreements for consortium type of arrangements with public and private sector partners. 
• Provide legal and IP assessment of technologies chosen by scientific team members to be used in CIMMYT’s research agenda; if necessary, assess (or solicit the assessment of) the freedom to operate of third party information and technologies. 
• Propose strategies, policies and procedures to disseminate and deploy CIMMYT information, seed, and agricultural technologies through PPPs and consortia. 
• Compile and assess information on the pertinent legal environment (seed, biosafety, IP laws, and regulations). 
• Assist in other IP related matters as requested by your line manager. 

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills, characteristics and interests: 
• J.D. or equivalent degree from a reputable, internationally accredited law school with a background (MSc or BSc) in agricultural sciences. 
• A minimum of 4 years work experience as an international transactional attorney focused in the agricultural/biological fields. 
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiation and licensing in the frame of public-private partnerships. 
• Proven track record of effectively managing a large docket of cases of varying magnitude and complexity. 
• Strong written and verbal communications skills. 
• Fluency, both oral and written, in English (essential) and Spanish (desirable). 
• Experience and ability to work within a team framework and in a multicultural environment.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

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.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 6 April, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12278 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted