As Senior Legal Manager, you will lead the organisation's legal function, acting as a key advisor to senior leadership. You will oversee governance, legal risk, regulatory compliance, contract management, and intellectual property protection. This is a high-impact role offering autonomy, strategic influence, and the opportunity to build and formalise the legal function within a complex international environment.
Senior Legal Counsel
A leading international non-profit organisation operating across 20+ countries is looking for an experienced Senior Legal Manager (Legal Counsel) for a minimum 9?month contract based in Geneva.
The organisation works globally on environmental, social, and development initiatives, partnering with governments, NGOs, donors, and international stakeholders.
We are seeking a senior legal expert capable of providing strategic legal leadership, strengthening governance, and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Description
Main Responsibilities
Strategic Legal Advisory
* Provide senior-level legal advice to leadership teams.
* Support strategic initiatives and organisational decision-making.
* Ensure legal compliance across global operations.
Contract & Grant Management
* Draft, review, and negotiate contracts (grant agreements, procurement, partnership agreements).
* Standardise templates and ensure donor and regulatory compliance.
Governance & Policy Development
* Strengthen governance frameworks, boards, committees, and global policies.
* Draft internal policies, resolutions, and governance documentation.
Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
* Oversee compliance in tax, employment law, insurance, and regulatory topics.
* Manage legal risks and support internal control processes.
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
* Oversee the organisation's trademark and IP portfolio.
* Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on brand protection.
Internal Capacity Building
* Train teams on legal processes, compliance, and risk management.
* Promote a culture of legal awareness and accountability.
External Legal Coordination
* Manage relationships with external counsel, regulators, and authorities.
* Monitor evolving legal and regulatory trends globally.
Profile
Required Profile
* Master's degree in Law (or equivalent).
* Strong experience in contract law, governance, compliance, regulatory matters, and risk management.
* Track record within international organisations, NGOs, law firms, or global companies.
* Ability to advise senior leaders and operate with autonomy in a complex environment.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Full fluency in English and French.
Assets
* Experience with trademarks and IP.
* Exposure to multi?country regulatory environments.
* Additional languages (e.g., Portuguese...).
Job Offer
Why Join?
* High-level strategic legal role with global impact.
* Opportunity to shape and professionalise the legal function.
* Mission-driven environment in sustainability and social impact.
* 2 days per week in the office
* Close collaboration with executive leadership.
#J-18808-Ljbffr