Lawyer as General Counsel

The hiring organization has chosen to publish this listing anonymously to maintain confidentiality during the hiring process. They have provided Idealist with all of their organization’s details and currently meet our posting guidelines.

GENERAL COUNSEL

We are an international non-profit organization focused on ecological protection that has widespread impacts on planetary climate, human health, economic and social stability. We are accredited with three United Nations specialized agencies and have been invited to speak at major international events. Our work has been endorsed by pre-eminent scientific bodies and won the support of multiple Nobel Laureates.

Given the urgency to realize our mission, we seek a highly motivated and skilled General Counsel with international law experience to champion it.

This is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

This position is full-time and remotely based. Some travel will be required.

Term: 1 year

Responsibilities:

• Serve as chief legal advisor, being thoroughly knowledgeable on relevant ecological geopolitical issues; direct visionary legal strategy that is forward facing and fierce.
• Be a guardian of the organization’s reputation, advancing its objectives while avoiding political and commercial conflicts of interest.
• Develop and lead an international team of pro bono lawyers to advocate for our initiatives in their home countries
• Liaise with relevant UN bodies, build alliances with corporate stakeholders and dignitaries in the highest political office to swiftly secure support for our initiatives
• Attend relevant conferences such as the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP), UN General Assembly and World Economic Forum.
• Assist in the development of a governing body to enforce ecological protection
• Maintain status as informed industry-specific subject matter expert, advising on relevant legislative, administrative, regulatory, compliance and risk management developments.
• Oversee corporate governance activities and proactively implement compliance programs to mitigate risk and legal liability.
• Secure and liaise with appropriate counsel for any litigation on behalf of the organization, supporting the organization in the event of any crisis.

Experience & qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in a law firm or in-house legal team
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree
• Active bar membership in good standing in your state
• Multiple State Bar memberships is an asset but not required
• A current practicing certificate and current errors and omissions and general liability insurance coverage
• Experience in international law and maritime law (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and multiborder expertise are essential
• Be willing and able to provide your services as an independent contractor through your own company
• High speed internet access and home office set up for seamless remote work capabilities

To date, this organization has been entirely volunteer-run and self-funded. We remain committed to an ethos of service and of maximizing the value of all donated funds. This position is a full-time equivalent and will be remunerated on a monthly basis at a stipend (low bono) level. For context, you will be reporting to a leadership team that volunteers full-time. This position is an opportunity to be of service to a world in desperate need and leave a legacy by helping to make history with a life-saving initiative.

If the opportunity to achieve a powerful and urgently needed shift for the sake of life on Earth speaks to your heart, mind, and soul, please send your CV and cover letter.

A high standard of excellence in English proficiency. Additional UN languages would be an asset.