Legal Advisor Europe At International Rescue Committee

BACKGROUND

Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 25 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC in Europe

Europe is one of the fastest growing regions for the IRC and currently consists of offices in the UK, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova and Germany. IRC’s work in Europe combines headquarter functions such as fundraising, advocacy and grant management with that of expanding country programs implementing integration projects for refugees and other vulnerable populations across Europe.

Across the headquarter offices in UK and Germany, IRC employs around 350 staff.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

As Legal Advisor Europe you will provide front line legal advice and guidance to staff teams based in Europe on a diverse range of legal issues including board governance, contract and grant review, policy making and compliance, data protection and regulatory compliance – as well as providing staff training with respect to these areas. The role will have a particular focus on board governance, legal research, regulatory filings and delegation schemes with the possibility of taking on data protection initiatives.

SCOPE AND AUTHORITY

The Legal Advisor Europe will report to the Associate General Counsel, Europe Legal & Privacy Lead (based in Berlin), who sits within the team of Office of General Counsel located in New York. The role will work in close coordination with senior staff in Europe, entity Boards and legal colleagues in New York. The Legal Advisor Europe will also coordinate requests for external legal advice, including fostering productive relationships with pro-bono counsel.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Governance

Preparation for and advice around Boards and Board Committees e.g. agenda development, compliance with corporate documents, minutes, action items.
Preparing and advising on documentation between entities
Regulatory filings, including with the UK Charity Commission and companies registries
Preparing and advising on schemes of delegation

Policy and Compliance

Adapting global policies to local requirements, policy drafting
Researching and advising on compliance requirements in different jurisdictions i.e. corporate reporting requirements.
Providing legal support with respect to European and international grant making and compliance with donor requirements for activities under government grants

Data Protection

Assisting staff with data protection-related initiatives e.g. writing privacy notices, developing processes, assisting with impact assessments.

Contract and grant review

Reviewing service contracts, grants and other agreements, and coordinating with external counsel where necessary.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications and Experience

Qualified lawyer in a European jurisdiction with min. 3-5 years’ law firm and/or in-house experience
Experience and knowledge of corporate governance, preferably in a multi-national context
Business fluent English – written and spoken
Business fluent German preferred but Italian, Polish or Greek language skills also beneficial
Experience of operating in a complex international environment and providing advice across multiple countries
Excellent drafting skills – policies and contracts
Pragmatic problem-solver, committed to understanding what people are trying to achieve and finding legally compliant solutions that meet business needs
Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters
Proactive, creative thinker, with strong judgment, legal research and analytical skills
Strong, credible communicator, with the ability to listen effectively and make complex legal matters simple enough for non-legal staff to work with

Desirable: