Legal Counsel

Job Description

Legal Counsel, Charity Law, Compliance and Regulatory, Contract and Commercial, Intellectual Property, Property, Data Protection, Employment, Dispute Resolution, Permanent, Hybrid, BirminghamLegal CounselAn experienced and capable Legal Counsel is required to fulfill an influential role for one of the worlds largest independent and faith-based international NGOs, impacting the lives of millions globally based in Birmingham. The Legal Team is its global lead for all legal matters and will provide legal leadership to Islamic Relief Worldwide at a time of growth, as well as an increasingly complex regulatory and humanitarian environment.The Legal Team is central to supporting IRWs CEO, the Trustees and Executive Board in advising and managing legal risks that IRW faces. The Legal Team is part of the Office of the General Counsel, a division that includes legal, governance, policy and compliance,whistleblowing and complaints, safeguarding and Data Protection.This is an exciting opportunity to work in an international, dynamic and fast-paced legal team which is at the heart of its international relief and development efforts helping the most in need across the world.JOB PURPOSE:To provide legal advice to the organisation, both directly and through external lawyers, to ensure that the organisation assesses and addresses the legal implications of its operations with the purpose of helping the organisation to be as effective as possiblein achieving its objectives, vision and mission. The Legal Counsel will support the General Counsel to manage legal risk and oversee global legal issues that affect the family of organisations.The work of the legal team covers a broad range of areas and requires someone who can use their legal skills and apply them to all aspects of legal and compliance work within an international charity. This includes: -

• Compliance and regulatory
• Charity law
• Contract and commercial
• Intellectual Property
• Property
• Data Protection
• Employment & HR
• Dispute Resolution
• You will be a vital component in advising and supporting their team who oversee activities in over 30 countries.
• You will support the General Counsel and the leadership team in representing IRW with key stakeholders, both national and international, including members of the Islamic Relief family, donors and regulators. There will also be opportunities to travel andsee their work in the field as well as occasional travel to London and Birmingham Offices required.

This role requires an all-rounder with good judgment and the experience and confidence to hit the ground runningScope of the Legal Counsel Role:Reporting to the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will be the central cog in the legal team and provide advice, assistance to Islamic Relief Worldwides internal, external and programme led teams.With support from the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will lead on:-

• General legal and regulatory compliance, including charity and company law.
• Supporting compliance with bribery, counter terror, fraud and other funding related legislative requirements.
• Supporting data protection compliance.
• Contract risk, drafting and helping teams to manage contracts, grants and other legal documentation.
• Registration and governance support to members established throughout the world where IRW operates.
• Overseeing intellectual property issues including trademark registration, licensing arrangements, and overseeing intellectual property disputes.
• Supporting reputation management.
• Supporting with disputes and litigation.
• Overseeing property matters, including IRWs portfolio of properties (overseeing leasing, sale and purchase arrangements).

The Legal Counsel will be the first port of call for legal advice and will be expected to work independently, providing direction and strategy. The Counsel will proactively contribute to improving the legal department, and be responsible for managing the teamslegal expenditure and use of external lawyers.The Legal Counsel will support the General Counsel on complex contractual arrangements and multijurisdictional programmes.The Legal Counsel will act as IRWs representative on external INGO legal networks and be expected to lead and deputise for the General Counsel when needed.PERSON SPECIFICATIONIt is essential that the Legal Counsel shares IRWs values, vision and commitment to acting transparently, honestly and with a sense of social justice in carrying out the role.Experience

• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in either contract/ commercial or charity law (commercial or governance), gained in private practice or in-house.
• Good working knowledge of company, employment, property law and litigation work.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment in which IRW operates
• Proven experience of working in a demanding and varied legal and compliance environment. This must be at a high level with responsibility for decision making.
• Proven ability to provide practical, reliable legal advice to senior officials within an organisation (i.e. trustees, directors or senior management).
• Proven ability to supervise, and manage a budget.

Vacancy Information:

• Location: Birmingham
• Salary range: Competitive Salary DOE
• Job type: Permanent
• Job Section: Legal
• Working Hours: Full time
• Reference: GJ104
• Contact: Gabriel Johnson

About Klein Hamilton RecruitmentWe are leading Recruitment experts with a 12 year track record, delivering hands on staffing solutions and driving excellence to blue chip, fintech and dynamic SME Employers, who trust us in finding them the best talent. You can apply for our vacanciesin confidence.Legal Counsel, Charity Law, Compliance and Regulatory, Contract and Commercial, Intellectual Property, Property, Data Protection, Employment, Dispute Resolution, Permanent, Hybrid, Birmingham