General Counsel

IFDC- International Fertilizer Development•Muscle Shoals, AL

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth. IFDC works with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations. The General Counsel serves as a legal advisor to IFDC, providing both strategic and operational legal support to the Board and management across IFDC’s global operations. The role requires balancing Board-level advisory responsibilities with timely legal guidance to internal functions and operates with a high degree of independence, including direct access to the Board Chair and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) Chair for sensitive matters.

Requirements

University degree in Law or a closely related field
Minimum of 7 years' post admission experience in legal services, with at least 3 years in a senior management role
Must be a licensed attorney and member in good standing of a recognized bar association
Strong background in international legal frameworks, including familiarity with the regulatory and policy environments in multiple jurisdictions, particularly across Africa and Asia
Membership in the Law Society of the relevant jurisdiction
Excellent drafting skills and negotiation skills
In-depth understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues
Ability to clearly identify and convey legal issues and risks
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, follow through and meet statutory and other deadlines
Ability to constitute, lead and motivate teams for optimal productivity
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Ability to operate independently while engaging effectively with senior leadership and the Board

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in law or business administration or any other relevant field is considered as an added advantage
Experience working with NGOs and in international contexts is a strong asset
Familiarity with U.S. legal and regulatory frameworks is a strong asset (not mandatory)
Proficiency in both English and French preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as legal advisor to the Board on governance, compliance, and fiduciary matters
Conduct research on emerging legal issues and advising the Board accordingly
Participate in Board meetings and provide legal perspectives on strategic issues
Ensure appropriate balance between Board-related support and broader organizational legal needs
Provide accurate, timely and practical legal counsel to management on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and employment law
Prepare, review, advise and negotiate a wide range of commercial documents including contracts, agreements, and partnerships
Analyze and review contracts to ensure alignment with organizational interests
Interpret and recommend updates to constitutive documents, policies, and internal frameworks
Ensure IFDC complies with statutory and regulatory requirements across all operating jurisdictions
Monitor adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including corporate governance and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) related requirement
Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them including advising on Directors’ and officers’ insurance and other risk management policies
Plan and implement statutory annual legal and governance audits to ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements
Provide legal oversight across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in Africa and Asia, reflecting the organization’s operational footprint
Support legal matters in francophone jurisdictions where applicable
Develop legal strategies aimed at solving disputes, controversies and litigation
Represent IFDC in litigation and various legal matters either personally or through instructions to law firms engaged for that purpose
Liaise with external lawyers and regulatory bodies/agencies on compliance related issues
Oversee litigation including managing external legal counsel and controlling legal costs
Optimize engagement with external counsel across jurisdictions
Assist in drafting and reviewing internal policies to ensure they comply with legal standards and best practices
Educate board members and staff on legal issues and compliance requirements to ensure awareness of their responsibilities
Support compliance training and awareness initiatives across the organization
Contribute to strengthening governance processes and internal compliance mechanisms