Overview

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community.

Global Communities' General Counsel & Chief Ethics Officer will serve the primary point of contact for legal, ethics, operational and policy matters for the organization. They will provide legal, ethics, operational and policy guidance to management, business units and branch offices worldwide; and manages oversight of various legal, compliance, and ethical operational interests as described below.

Responsibilities

Provides legal counsel to the organization. Advises on a range of legal issues.

• Conducts research and advises on the legal consequences of business actions.

• Provides legal and operational guidance to business units and branch offices worldwide.

• Works directly with management during disputes with employees, vendors, contractors, sub-recipients, and sub-contractors.

• Prepares documents and provides guidance during arbitration and litigation proceedings.

• Drafts and reviews legal agreements, reviewing areas of legal risk and exposure.

• Reviews corporate, atypical, or other unfamiliar contract vehicles, reviews USG agreements and contracts as requested.

• Works directly with Executive Office on corporate governance matters, including but not limited to, drafting corporate resolutions, reviewing board meeting minutes, revising corporate bylaws and providing interpretative guidance related to the bylaws.

• Leads domestic and international branch office registrations. Ensures timely filing of annual report to maintain the organization’s domestic registration in the state of incorporation.

• Oversees domestic and international trademark filings.

• Selects, manages and evaluates domestic and international outside legal counsel. Negotiates legal fees with outside legal counsel. Monitors outside legal counsel spending to stay within approved annual budget.

• Leads the organization’s Watch List Screening compliance program to ensure that the organization does not provide assistance or funding to individuals or entities associated with terrorism.

• Oversees compliance with the organizations anti-trafficking policy.

• Updates the organization’s Standards of Conduct, Watch List Policy, Anti-Trafficking policy and other policies as needed.

• Serves as trusted advisor to staff worldwide.

Acts as Chief Ethics Officer. Advises on a range of ethics issues.

• Directs Global Communities Ethics Program. Responsible for the development, maintenance, and revisions of policies and procedures for the general operation of the ethics compliance program and its related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.

• Oversees execution of worldwide annual online ethics training and updates the training as needed.

• Institutes and maintains an effective ethics compliance communication program for the organization, including promoting: (a) use of the anonymous reporting hotline; (b) awareness of Standards of Conduct; and (c) understanding of policies and procedures.

• Monitors the performance of the Ethics Compliance Program and takes appropriate steps to improve its effectiveness

• Conducts and oversees investigations into alleged violations of the organization’s Standards of Conduct. Makes decisions on ethics complaints and provides recommendations to management on appropriate courses of action.

• Oversees and administers Global Communities ethics anonymous reporting hotline.

Supervises the work of assigned work group/team.

• Prioritizes, organizes, distributes, and coordinates the flow of work.

• Trains, guides, and advises staff.

• Makes recommendations concerning employment, termination, performance appraisals, salary actions, and other personnel action for subordinates.

• Resolves routine operating problems as they arise.

• Prepares operating policy/procedure guidance as assigned.

Undertakes all other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expert knowledge in non-profit law, and issues related to private donations, gifts, bequests, etc. including general ethics practices, regulations, and applicable laws.

• Excellent critical thinking skills. Proven willingness to make timely and sound decisions based on accurate judgment. Business-oriented approach to problem-solving, tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to conduct meetings, write reports, and speak in a public forum. Superior diplomatic and negotiation skills. Ability to present and discuss technical information in the context of the business.

• Outstanding organizational skills including the ability to multi-task and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment and the ability to respond rapidly to changing environments. Strong planning, analytical, and conceptual skills.

• Advanced knowledge and experience with MS Office applications.

• Fluency in English, written and oral. Abilities in a second language preferred.

• Accuracy, attention to detail.

• Ability to read and interpret documents and ability to sit at a computer and operate a keyboard.

Qualifications

• JD required. License to practice law in the State of Maryland.

• A master’s degree in relevant discipline and a minimum of 18 years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and a minimum of 20 years of experience.

• High level government contracts and public procurement experience focused on contract disputes preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communities

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, please apply (including your resume and cover letter) by 8/19/2024 . Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

Location and Work Schedule

This selected candidate can be based in Silver Spring, MD or San Diego, CA. Candidates must be authorized to work in their preferred country without any restriction.This role is on a hybrid/telework schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work at least twice as week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from either our San Diego or Silver Spring office and the remainder of the week from an approved remote location.

Salary and Compensation

The estimated salary for this position is between $252,806-$300,000. Final salary will be based on several factors including qualifications, geographic location, experience, and internal equity. Global Communities provides a comprehensive benefits package; please note that this position is not eligible for allowances.

Safeguarding Policy

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented. The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

EEO/ADA

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Global Communities complies with all applicable provisions of the ADA and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless it provides undue hardship to the organization. If reasonable accommodation is necessary to participate in the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@globalcommunities.org.

Category Legal Counsel

ID 2024-2467

Location : Location US-MD-Silver Spring

Additional Locations US-CA-San Diego

Location : Country US