Overview Duration 12 Months (With Possible Extension)
Who we are & What do we believe?
Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:
Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.
At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to higher education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.
Wherever you are, whoever you are !
We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.
About the Position Arcadia is seeking an accomplished and visionary Chief Legal Officer to spearhead our Legal Affairs and Legal Compliance departments and advance the growth and wellbeing of our diverse volunteer workforce. As the CLO, you will be responsible for designing and executing legal strategies that support Arcadia’s mission, foster an inclusive organisational culture, and align legal initiatives with the strategic objectives of Arcadia. You will have oversight of legal and compliance strategies across Arcadia, with direct line management responsibility for two legal affairs and legal compliance directors, each overseeing a specialised sub department. You will lead strategic planning meetings with these directors to establish high quality, effective legal and compliance policies, provide mentorship, and enhance current legal framework and compliance regulations to ensure they meet the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness.
This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the legal function of an international organisation that is at the forefront of academia and art. We are looking for an individual who brings passion, strategic acumen, and a commitment to excellence, with a genuine interest in making a meaningful impact on an international scale. The CLO will be instrumental in building an inclusive, high performing work environment that supports Arcadia’s mission and values.
Key Responsibilities As the CLO, you will play a critical role in safeguarding Arcadia's legal integrity and advancing its mission for education and art through innovative legal leadership. Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic Legal Leadership: Develop, implement, and oversee legal strategies aligned with Arcadia’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. Provide forward-thinking legal counsel to the executive board and Board of Directors, ensuring the organisation remains proactive in addressing legal challenges and opportunities on a global scale.
Legal Compliance and Governance: Ensure full compliance with international laws, Swiss law and regulations, and best practices in governance. Establish and maintain robust legal frameworks and policies that uphold Arcadia’s ethical standards and ensure consistency across all jurisdictions in which Arcadia operates.
Risk Management and Mitigation: Identify, assess, and manage legal risks that may impact Arcadia’s operations and reputation. Develop strategies to mitigate risks effectively, including negotiating, drafting, and reviewing contracts, agreements, and partnerships to protect Arcadia’s interests.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including international regulatory bodies, to address complex legal issues. Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive board on legal matters, providing insights into legal trends, policy developments, and implications for Arcadia.
Training and Capacity Building: Lead initiatives to strengthen legal awareness within Arcadia, equipping staff and volunteers with the knowledge to adhere to legal standards and practices. Mentor legal teams within the organization to build capacity and promote leadership in legal excellence.
Skills and Competencies Required Extensive Legal Leadership Experience: Proven track record of legal leadership at the executive level, ideally within an international, non profit, or intergovernmental organisation. Deep expertise in international law, regulatory compliance, and risk management, with a focus on strategic thinking and delivering measurable outcomes.
Advanced Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal issues clearly and persuasively. Strong interpersonal skills to build credibility and trust, mediate disputes, and represent the legal department effectively in both internal and external settings.
Integrity and Professionalism: A high degree of integrity, ethical judgment, and professionalism, with an unwavering commitment to confidentiality, transparency, and the mission of Arcadia. Consistently upholds the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct while advocating for fairness and justice.
Qualifications A master’s degree in Law (LL.M.), Juris Doctor (J.D.), or an equivalent legal qualification from an accredited institution. Specialization in international law, corporate governance, compliance, or nonprofit law is highly desirable.
Licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, with eligibility for recognition in Switzerland.
A minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing legal teams and overseeing compliance functions. Experience working in or with international, intergovernmental, or nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.
Proven management experience leading legal and compliance teams, including supervising directors of legal affairs and compliance. Demonstrated success in building motivated, high performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
Exceptional advisory experience as a trusted consultant and primary point of contact on legal and compliance matters for executive boards and boards of directors. Ability to provide clear, actionable guidance on complex legal issues.
Fluency in English (CEFR C1), proficiency, is required. Proficiency in French is highly desirable but not mandatory.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a liaison with government bodies and regulatory authorities, particularly in Switzerland. Familiarity with reporting requirements and legal correspondence with the Canton of Geneva is a strong asset.
Comfortable with part time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours and the flexibility to visit the Geneva office once a month for administrative tasks (highly appreciated but not mandatory).
A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.
What We Offer An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.
Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.
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