Head of Legal Services (G-24-56)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to join our team as the Head of Legal Services. We are looking for a legal expert with a strategic vision and a deep commitment to excellence in legal and contractual risk management. In this critical role, you will provide legal advisory services and oversee the effective and efficient management of our Legal Services Unit, ensuring that our organization navigates legal complexities with confidence and integrity. The selected candidate will be based at the CIP Headquarters in Lima, Peru.

About CIP : CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP’s mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture.

Key Responsibilities :

Oversee the appropriateness of legal operational frameworks such as Host Country Agreements, risks and implications of legal regulatory environments in countries where CIP operates), taking into account applicable CGIAR policies.

Provide legal advice to CIP Management on risk management, contractual agreements, and organizational policies.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to safeguard the organization’s interests. Liaise with external legal counsel, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to represent CIP’s interests in legal matters. Support CIP Management through corporate governance frameworks (including Delegation of Authority), Framework policy and associated bylaws) aligned with CIP2030 implementation.

Oversee the Management of Intellectual Assets (IA) and technology transfer at CIP (including movement of germplasm) in line with CGIAR policies.

Monitor compliance with regulatory and legal frameworks considering CIP and CGIAR policies.

Oversee and manage the response to legal cases within CIP, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Provide legal counsel on a variety of matters, including international law, intellectual property, and compliance with local and international regulations. Interpret laws, rulings and regulations as required.

Assess and interpret data to identify optimal solutions for complex issues.

Advise Board of Trustees and senior management on the fulfilment of CIP’s fiduciary duties and responsibilities.

Intellectual Assets (IA) and Intellectual Property (IP) management :

Design and implement the Intellectual Assets (IA) strategy, including identifying CIP needs and developing the support process (policies, guidance documents and practices), to monitor and ensure compliance of the CGIAR IA Principles including evaluation of opportunities and drafting of justifications

Oversee the development and review of Intellectual Property (IP) aspects in agreements and contracts, including negotiating third-party out-licensing, to ensure compliance with CIP and CGIAR policies on IA Management and applicable ethical frameworks.

Maintain an IA register with full details of the CIP background IP and all acquired or jointly developed project-related IAs.

People and team management :

Lead recruitment, management, and development of a high-performing team.

Foster a positive work environment.

Manage and mentor staff, contributing to their performance reviews.

Identify succession plans and staff development opportunities.

Ensure compliance with CIP's Health & Safety policy at the departmental level.

Requirements

What are we looking for?

• Master's degree in law, International Development or related field.
• At least 10 years’ legal experience ideally in a leading organization, with a proven track record in contract negotiation and drafting; proven track record of providing accurate and effective legal counsel; and proven track record of adding value to an organization through the development of comprehensive contract documents that mitigate risk and penalties.
• Demonstrate success in managing and conducting a variety of litigation matters.
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills necessary for interaction with Government entities and stakeholders
• Ability to provide independent advice (orally and in writing) to senior level management on highly technical matters.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and manage cross-functional teams.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages is desirable.
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• 3 -year term contract with the possibility of renewal.

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