CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research security and global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position Corporate Legal Counsel, to provide us with valuable legal guidance and support in contract negotiation, compliance with regulations, risk management, and other critical legal matters for the Legal Department.

The position will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, near Mexico City.

Specific duties:

• Execute and implement the Contract Life Cycle Management (development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment and release, quality control and archiving) of grants, subgrants, research collaboration, consultancy, vendor, lease, host country, nondisclosure, and a wide variety of ad hoc agreements entered by CIMMYT with its national and international (private and public) partners and service providers, globally.
• Research and analyze treaties, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures from a variety of legal areas and jurisdictions where CIMMYT operates to ensure its compliance; provide legal counsel and advice in diverse areas, including all areas related to corporate, criminal, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, and litigation legislation; draft legal opinions, notes, letters, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Identify and assess legal risks associated with CIMMYT activities and operations and develop risk management strategies to mitigate legal liabilities and safeguard the CIMMYT interest.
• Provide pragmatic and collaborative day-to-day legal advice to assist the business in achieving its goals/objectives legally, compliantly, and ethically and support higher-level legal counsel.
• Maintain, improve, implement, and monitor processes, procedures, guidelines, best practices, and tools that allow the Department to provide accurate and timely services.
• Assist in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures.
• Participate in the development of business strategies, providing both legal and strategic advice.
• Ensure that CIMMYT is up to date with any legal and regulatory requirements in Mexico and the diverse jurisdictions it operates.
• Ensure proper follow-up of entrusted matters, tracking these matters daily in the provided dashboards and KPI monitoring tools that will be used to prepare progress updates to the relevant areas and timely completion of ticketing system requests for the review and drafting of diverse agreements and legal matters.
• Provide legal support with respect to institutional compliance in the context of all legislation arising from different legal frameworks.
• Represent CIMMYT before different Government Agencies in Mexico
• Support corporate governance functions, issuing and managing PoAs, drafting and formalizing minutes, and other CIMMYT Statutory obligations.
• Oversight of Staff, interns, and consultants and coordination and supervision of Outside Counsel.
• Support drafting, reviewing, implementing, communicating, and updating CIMMYT’s legal policies and procedures.
• Prepare educational materials for Staff and stakeholders to support institutional research policies and procedures. Support the drafting, review, implementation, communication, and update of CIMMYT’s legal policies and procedures. Prepare guides, training materials, and training on the Contract Life Cycle and tools offered by the Legal Department.
• Collaborate with the Finance to complete corporate duties under the corporate regulations, such as power of attorney and special corporate projects. Provide counsel regarding legal implications in connection with new tax regulations.
• Manage the coordination of external counsel for legal expert matters, labor, penal, and special issues, including internal and external audits.
• Offer legal advice on labor and employment-related policies, local laws, and regulations, conducting legal research, and advising on potential legal risks.
• Any other tasks requested by the supervisor.

Requirements

• The selected candidate must have a, a master’s degree/LL.M.
• At least 8 years proven experience in corporate law and commercial/contract law as in-house lawyer.
• Additional experience or knowledge in areas related to agriculture research and development in the private and/or public sectors is an advantage.
• Ability to provide timely and efficient legal and business advice at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of matters at any given time, work well under pressure, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments, and effectively manage deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate legal concepts in a plain manner to lay (non-legal) stakeholders.
• Enough computer skills (at a minimum: Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat) and willingness to learn/master other programs and software, as necessary.
• Strategic thinker able to think holistically while focusing on day-to-day operations management and driving results.
• The candidate must exhibit a sense of urgency and commitment to his responsibilities and deadlines.
• Detailed accuracy, acute sensitivity to the importance of time urgency, exceptional anticipation skills, and an enviable personal touch. Demonstrate consistent follow-up to ensure task completion. Consistently operate with urgency while not losing sight of the detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate precisely and professionally with internal and external sources.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, take initiative, to work independently, maintain an organized work environment, and be part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• High ethical standards with a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion.
• The position requires excellent writing, organization, and communication skills, as well as high attention to detail and accuracy.
• The candidate must have a strong sense of urgency and commitment to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish. English will be tested, and candidates should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Proactive, Communication, Problem-solving, Achievement Orientation, Flexibility/Adaptability, Multi-Cultural Awareness/Sensitivity, Teamwork, Time Management, and Collaboration.

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).