Associate General Counsel

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY – This position is based in Arlington-VA, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, or Mexico. 

The Associate General Counsel (Americas Region) (“AGC”) works within CI’s General Counsel’s Office (GCO) to manage legal and compliance-related matters in CI’s operations in the Americas Field Division and global legal and compliance matters of select CI global programs. They will report to the General Counsel. The GCO consists of a small global team of legal, risk management, internal audit, and global security professionals who work closely together to further CI’s mission by, inter alia, managing legal and other risks. The AGC will manage and support CI’s international legal operations in the Americas, including corporate registrations, affiliate governance, employment issues, contracting, grant-making, compliance and risk management, and general legal program support. The AGC will also provide complex transactional support to certain global programs and departments and will resolve legal issues, provide expert advice, and counsel staff on a range of issues affecting nonprofit organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage legal risk for assigned field-based programs in the Americas region (Latin America). Responsibilities for programs in other regions in which CI operates or for other global programs may be assigned depending on the CI’s needs and the AGC’s experience.
• Provide actionable advice and recommendations to CI staff and leadership on issues of US and country program law.
• Review legal documents and matters, resolve legal issues while complying with CI policies and exempt organization law, and provide integrated solutions to programs.
• Provide expert legal transactional support to regional and global departments and programs.
• Advise on matters of institutional risk, draft and review documents, advise on applicable legal and regulatory requirements, resolve conflicts of interest and disputes, and provide overall legal advice.
• Work as part of department teams on specialized legal initiatives designed to enhance CI governance of its international programs and to manage legal and regulatory risk.
• Select (with programmatic input), strategically consult with, and effectively manage outside counsel relationships in Latin America.
• Coordinate with legal personnel at peer organizations regarding best practices and developing legal/compliance trends.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Counsel

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• JD (or foreign law degree equivalent) is required from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the bar in the jurisdiction where the counsel is based.
• 7 or more years of legal experience, ideally (at least in part) in a nonprofit, multilateral organization, or international corporate legal setting.
• Experience with international transactions, as well as compliance and taxation matters.
• Familiarity through professional or academic experience, such as obtained through an international law degree (e.g., LLM), bar admission equivalent, or substantial foreign attorney experience, with at least one other applicable legal system.
• Proactive, client-focused, solutions-based, collaborative work approach. Ability to work effectively and to lead cross-functional teams with remote or minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to understand complex, international legal concepts and offer succinct explanations and counsel.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently but with the judgment to know when to seek guidance from the General Counsel, other attorneys in GCO or outside counsel.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage high-volume and varied tasks and meet deadlines.
• Resourcefulness, adaptability and creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work proactively and independently.
• Service focus, courteous, tactful, and proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others from a variety of disciplines, cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to internal and external audience
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership for wide-ranging responsibilities.
• Experience as outside counsel and/or in managing outside counsel; project supervision experience.
• Experience and familiarity with a culturally diverse and international workforce.
• Strong English, Portuguese, and Spanish language skills at a level to read and draft legal agreements and conduct legal-focused discussions

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.