Save the Children International
Legal Counsel
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Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel – Save the Children International
Save the Children International invites applications for an exciting opportunity to join their Legal team in a global role.
About the Role & Team
Join Save the Children’s dynamic Legal team, quality-driven and responsible for delivering high-value, strategic legal advice to 54 Country Offices and global teams across five key regions: Asia, East and Southern Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, Middle East & North Africa/Eastern Europe, and West/Central Africa.
This role offers the chance to work on meaningful, challenging projects while contributing to a mission-driven organisation focused on transforming child welfare globally.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will advise on global programming, governance, and commercial operations, including:
- Providing legal counsel for procurement, partnerships, contracts, and finances across five regions for Country Offices.
- Advising Global Teams (HR, Transformation Delivery, Procurement, Fundraising) on global policies, contracts (complex commercial/high-value), and legal risk.
- Leading contractual and legal-risk projects, managing relationships and governance matters for save the Children as a global organisation.
- Managing external (pro bono) law firm partnerships and internal training initiatives within the legal team.
- Line-managing and/or mentoring junior lawyers as required, depending on experience.
- Supporting humanitarian crises with rapid response during emergencies when necessary.
For the right candidate, there is additional scope to support:
- Transformation Delivery (technology-focused reorganisations/innovations).
- Supply Chain (international high-value, complex contracts).
Reports To & Working Conditions
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- Reports to: Deputy General Counsel or a senior member of the Legal Team (Program Delivery).
- Structure: Permanent role with hybrid/remote working options and flexible scheduling.
- Location: Any approved Save the Children office (visit Careers Page for locations).
- Time Zone Requirement: GMT ±3 hours
- Language Requirement: Fluency in English
- People Management: 0–1 reports; informal guest duties but no "team management".
Core Responsibilities & Accountabilities
1. Strategic Legal Support
- Acting as a Regional Legal Business Partner for Country Offices within one or more zones.
- Advise on global policies, internal compliance, and emergency legal needs (e.g., humanitarian scales).
2. Contractual & Compliance Expertise
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with governments, UN organisations, NGOs, and the private sector.
- Ensure adherence to legal risk frameworks, including fraud, sanctions, and anti-terrorism measures.
3. Supply Chain & Transformation Projects
- Advise on high-value, complex commercial contracting for:
- Procurement & Supply Chain (global agreements, logistics).
- Technology & organisational transformations (digital, operational shifts).
4. Legal Team & Capacity-building
- Enhance capacity of the Legal team through training, mentorship, and pro bono collaborations.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Post-qualification expertise (5+ years+) in one of these areas:
- General Corporate/Commercial or Charity Law
- Dispute Resolution or Regulatory Compliance
- Strong business partnering skills – adaptable, pragmatic problem-solving.
- Judgement, resilience, and management experience under pressure.
- Complex stakeholder communication, bridging legal/commercial/technical gaps.
- Middle (not entry/junior) level post-qualification experience (UK/Common Law preferred but non-law candidates with equivalent experience considered).
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Desirable but Not Essential
- Multi-sector experience: Employment, Finance, Data Privacy, IP Rights.
- Experience in international development/humanitarian law or NGO sectors.
- Fluent in French, Arabic, or Spanish (aid languages to support fieldwork).
- Experience with international/in-house legal roles.
Why Work for Save the Children?
Mission-driven work: Save the Children employs ~25,000 people and engages with 116 countries, ensuring every child has a future.
Culture:
- Collaborative, ambitious, and inclusive environment.
- Global strategy (Ambition for Children 2030) focused on combating injustice, improving child welfare, and inclusion.
Flexible benefits:
- Hybrid/remote work solutions.
- Focus on personal growth and mission alignment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
- We enforce zero-tolerance for discrimination/harassment.
- Reasonable adjustments available during recruitment.
- Attracting diverse applicants to better represent our client communities.
Application Notes
Apply with a CV and cover letter to: 🔗 https://www.savethechildren.net/careers 💌 Rolling applications accepted—submit soon to avoid delays!*
Shortlisted candidates will be notified within 2 weeks of the deadline. Square brackets enclosing links and "paperwork notes" have been removed.
The process remains transparent, rights-based, and aligned with safeguarding children standards.
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