Senior Legal Counsel (Maternity Cover)

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OVERVIEW

Fairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future. Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their everyday shopping.
 
Fairtrade International is the international non-profit, multi stakeholder body that is responsible for the strategic direction of Fairtrade, sets Fairtrade Standards and supports producers.
 
The Senior Legal Counsel provides legal advice to the Board, Chief Executive Officer, senior managers, governance bodies and units of Fairtrade International in all areas of the association’s affairs. The function will work in close cooperation with the Compliance Unit.  

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Legal Counsel reports to the Director Legal Affairs and will provide legal advice to and examine legal questions of the Board, Global CEO, Executive Director and senior management of the association in all strategic and operational matters. 
 
S/he will:
  • Provide legal advice and support to the Board, Global CEO, Executive Director and other senior leaders within Fairtrade International
  • Provide legal advice and support to the governance bodies of Fairtrade International regarding all questions relating to German law
  • Attend governance meetings of the association, as required, including meetings of the Board, shareholder, General Assembly and other Board Committees, for the purpose of providing legal counsel
  • Independently prepare legal opinions and provide legal analysis on various legal queries, as requested by the Board, Global CEO, Executive Director, and senior management
  • Provide legal advice on licensing and protection of the Fairtrade Marks, including preparation of legal regulations, contract templates and framework agreements for licensing activities and agreements of the member organizations of Fairtrade International
  • Prepare, negotiate and review contracts, agreements and other legal documents
  • Provide day-to-day legal support and counsel for the departments of Fairtrade International
  • Liaise with member organizations on legal topics of Fairtrade System-wide relevance
  • Liaise with external legal consultants/law firms, including pro-bono as required
  • Deliver in-house training on relevant legal matters as required
 

 

SKILLS REQUIRED

Level of education:
  • First & second state exam in German law
Knowledge / Job Specific Competencies:
  • Min 7 years of experience in contract negotiations and drafting agreements
  • Experience in German association law
  • Experience in IP law will be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of Fairtrade licensing operations will be an advantage
Professional Skill Requirements: 
  • Excellent communication skills with a demonstrated ability to explain legal matters to a variety of audiences, including our international governance bodies
  • Ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively when needed
  • Should be able to work on multiple matters at one time and meet tight timeframes efficiently and with excellence
  • Should be detail oriented and have a track record of accountability
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, including conflict and facilitating resolution skills
  • Languages: fluency in German, proficiency in English essential 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • This is a full-time position 38,5 hours per week within Fairtrade International strictly for the duration of maternity cover
  • Location is at Fairtrade International offices in Bonn, Germany with the opportunity for hybrid work arrangements
  • The office language is English
  • Salary as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Wholesale and Foreign Trade Industries for North Rhine Westphalia Group 6b and over tariff payments
  • Holiday Bonus and 13th salary 
  • 30 days of holidays per year (for fulltime employees)
  • Subsidised public transportation ticket
  • Subsidised meal services
  • Childcare cost subsidy 

HOW TO APPLY

  • Please consult www.fairtrade.net for more information on Fairtrade International and the Fairtrade system
  • We are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time.
Please note that Fairtrade International is strict on compliance with the required qualification criteria mentioned above, and only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.