Job Description

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Chief Financial Office (CFO) - Pact strives for a world where all people are heard, capable, and vibrant. The Financial Planning & Analysis helps realize this objective by: Providing financial forecasting, analyses, and strategic oversight; Developing business models and financial reports, coordinating the annual corporate budget process; Facilitating strategic decision-making through focused, relevant research, analyses, and communication; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Implementing innovative financial management tactics and methodologies; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategially; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

The Pact Senior Legal Counsel is the sole legal officer for the organization. As such, the Senior Legal Counsel must be comfortable undertaking and/or overseeing all legal work for the organization. The Senior Legal Counsel is accountable for all aspects of Pact’s legal affairs, including its relationships with outside counsel, and ensures the appropriate protection of its legal rights. The incumbent stays abreast of activities across all divisions of the organization and evaluates this information to understand and anticipate potential legal impacts on the organization and to provide the best overall advice to Pact’s senior leadership team and other staff. The Senior Legal Counsel will assess risk and provide legal services and support both domestically and overseas.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Counsel has the following key areas of responsibility:

• Provides advice on legal issues to the Board of Directors, all levels of management and staff of the organization and applicable subsidiaries, including the legal aspects of activities within their assigned areas such as grant funding, charitable projects, human resources, taxes, insurance, intellectual property, and company agreements
• Directs and manages all company legal functions and supports the risk management and compliance functions to protect the organization’s interest and minimize risk worldwide
• Leads the defense of the organization in lawsuits and the prosecution of lawsuits on behalf of the organization against others
• Selects and manages outside counsel
• Champions the importance of legal, regulatory, and ethical practices company-wide
• Has primary responsibility for managing and negotiating complex investment transactions
• Reviews corporate documents for compliance with legal requirements, and ensures they remain current with applicable laws and regulations
• Other duties as necessary or assigned

Basic Requirements

• JD with at least 10 years experience in the practice of law with a reputable law firm, non-profit, or commercial institution of legal practice as an attorney, and not suspended or disbarred
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cpomplex, multicultural environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant legal practice experience in international development, regulatory, in-house, and/or financial services, particularly in emerging markets
• Experience working with US and foreign counsel

Pact provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the Organization

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. The promise of a healthy life. Of a decent livelihood. Of sustainable natural resources that benefit communities. Now more than ever in its 42-year history, Pact is helping millions of people who are poor and marginalized discover and build their own solutions and take ownership over their future.
Pact enables systemic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits that nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.