Senior Legal Counsel

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.

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.