Senior Legal Counsel

As Senior Legal Manager, you will lead the organisation's legal function,

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.

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 (, 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

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