General Counsel

About IFDC 

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.     

Responsibilities 

The General Counsel will provide legal services to the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) and will serve as legal advisor to the Board. In addition to the management role, The General Counsel will serve as counsel guiding the Board on legal matters and ensuring the organization’s compliance with laws and regulations. Specific duties and responsibilities at this level will entail:  

General Counsel Duties

• Ensure that IFDC complies with statutory and other regulatory requirements;
• Prepare, review, advise and negotiate a wide range of commercial documents including contracts, agreements and collaborative arrangements between IFDC and its suppliers, contractors, Government agencies and other bodies;
• Interpret and propose reviews with respect to existing constitutive documents, policies and other documents relating to IFDC;  
• Ensure Board members and staff are aware of all relevant laws impacting IFDC’s operations;
• Oversee the management of legal and regulatory risks;
• Ensure IFDC’s compliance with legislative provisions and regulations;  
• Develop legal strategies aimed at solving disputes, controversies and litigation;  
• Conduct research on emerging legal issues and advising the Board accordingly; 
• Liaise with external lawyers and regulatory bodies/agencies on compliance related issues;  
• Represent IFDC in litigation and various legal matters either personally or through instructions to law firms engaged for that purpose; 
• General advice to the members of management on legal matters;  
• Plan and implement statutory annual legal and governance audits to ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements;
• Monitor and control cost management within the legal function;
• Provide accurate and timely legal counsel on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and employment law;
• Analyze and review contracts to ensure they are legally sound and align with the organization’s interests before Board approval;
• Monitor and ensure the organization adheres to relevant laws and regulations, including those related to corporate governance, environmental, social, and corporate governance initiatives;
• Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This includes advising on Directors’ and officers’ insurance and other risk management policies;
• Work closely with the board and executive management to devise strategies and make informed decisions. This may include participating in board meetings and providing legal perspectives on various issues;
• Assist in drafting and reviewing internal policies to ensure they comply with legal standards and best practices;
• Oversee any litigation involving the organization, including managing external legal counsel and controlling legal costs;
• Educate board members and staff on legal issues and compliance requirements to ensure they understand their legal responsibilities. 

Requirements 

Academic Qualifications 

• University degree in Law or a closely related field;
• Master’s degree in law or business Administration or any other relevant field is considered as an added advantage; 
• Minimum of 7 years' post admission experience in legal services, with at least 3 years in a senior management role. 

Professional Qualifications 

• Must be a licensed attorney and member in good standing of a recognized bar association.
• Strong background in international legal frameworks, including familiarity with the regulatory and policy environments in multiple jurisdictions, particularly across Africa and Asia.

Professional Membership   

• Membership in the Law Society of the relevant jurisdiction.

Key Skills

• Excellent drafting skills;
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues;
• Ability to clearly identify and convey legal issues and risks;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;  
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, follow through and meet statutory and other deadlines;  
• Ability to constitute, lead and motive teams for optimal productivity; 
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; and  
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills. 

Reporting and Work Relationships 

This position will report to the president and CEO of IFDC. 

Location 

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals, Alabama or Washington DC. 

Benefits 

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws. 

Salary Clause