General Counsel
Based in (Washington, DC; Remote work eligible)
Less than 10% international travel
Work From Almost Anywhere Status
Reports to (President, PSI)
Who we are
Population Services International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organization. We are a diverse group of over 5,000 entrepreneurial development professionals located in over 40 countries committed to making it easier for all people to lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire. PSI is using its global presence and 50+ years of experience to help reimagine healthcare. We are working to shape market systems, shift policy and funding, and strengthen global capacity to better support consumer empowered healthcare.
Join us!
PSI seeks a General Counsel that will plan and direct all aspects of PSI’s legal affairs, manage legal staff and ensure all policies and activities are managed correctly and in compliance with current laws. Provide legal advice, interpretation, and guidance to executives and management concerning the laws that impact their functional areas, oversee the defense of the organization in lawsuits and the prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of the organization against others.
Your contributions
-Oversee all legal matters including acting as the business’ legal representative. Craft and review legal strategy in support of or in response to any legal claims/actions and oversee and/or manage complex contractual disputes, US and local labor-employment claims, lawsuits and arbitration proceedings, other disputes and/or investigations with relevant US agencies, donors or sub recipients. Respond to external auditors regarding contingent liabilities. Select, manage, and evaluate outside Counsel (including local counsel and specialized services) and arrange pro bono legal services as needed. 30% of the Time
-Maintain knowledge of PSI’s legal entity registrations and operations. Keep a full record of all legal entity registrations, licenses, related documents and legal proceedings. Provide and manage a full range of inter-company and 3rd party agreement templates (MOU’s, Collaboration/Partnership Agreements etc.) and provide specialized support for review, adaption and utilization by staff. 25% of the Time
-Advise the executive team and management on new laws, existing laws and legal rights that would impact functionality of the business. Provide support for Governance, Board matters, Corporate Secretary functions. 15% of the Time
-Participate in the definition and development of and continuing counsel on corporate policies, procedures and programs. Ensure policies and practices comply with US and global legal requirements, including family planning and abortion (PLGHA, Helms), GDPR, FCPA, safeguarding (trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation, child protection), and human subjects research. 10% of the Time
-Oversee local entity and statutory registrations in program countries. Facilitate timely filings of licensing forms and other statutory requirements. 10% of the Time
-Oversee legal filings and protection of copyrights of intellectual property. 5% of the Time
-Provide legal support for code of conduct issues and complex employee relations investigations, conflicts of interest, and fraud reporting to donors. 5% of the Time
Time percentages listed above are not exact. They are estimates and may change.
What are we looking for?
-Doctorate Degree (or international equivalent): Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school
-At least 15 years of legal practice experience as an attorney
-Must have a license to practice law in good standing from any state or territory within the US.
-In-depth knowledge of legal landscape and trends related to 501(c)(3) organizations working in International Development, bilateral and multi-lateral donors, international law and offices of Inspector General (USG or Other Donors).
-Subject matter expert in business contracts, labor-employment laws, tax-exempt entities, and/or corporate law.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills to ensure all litigation information and instruction to staff are clear and effectively ensure the desired outcome.
-Excellent analytical, strategic and negotiation skills.
-Able to multi-task and meet deadlines in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
-French language skills preferred.
The candidate we hire will embody PSI’s corporate values:
Measurement:You use hard evidence to make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them.
Pragmatism: You’ll strive to deliver the best possible result with the resources available. You won’t be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect.
Honesty:You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings – it’s the only way you’ll learn and improve.
Collaboration:You’ll quickly establish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices – if you try to do it all yourself, you won’t succeed.
Trust:You accept limits to your sphere of control and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
Commitment:You are in it for the long-haul and want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin.
References will be required. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check. For domestic positions: Must be authorized to work in the United States. N.B. PSI will not consider work visa sponsorship for this position.
PSI has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate to provide a hazard free employment and work environment in our commitment to our employees. Candidates offered a position will be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to their start date and their employment will be contingent on this. Candidates needing a medical or religious accommodation should let their recruiter know.
PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, amnesty, veteran, special disabled veteran or uniform service member status or employment status.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to: newhiresupport@psi.org or call (202)785-0072.
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