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Posted August 16, 2018

General Counsel (Part-Time)

Evidence Action
Washington, D.C. Full Time

About Evidence Action Evidence Action aims to be a world leader in scaling evidence-based and cost-effective programs to reduce the burden of poverty...

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action aims to be a world leader in scaling evidence-based and cost-effective programs to reduce the burden of poverty for hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places. Our two flagship programs, Deworm the World and Dispensers for Safe Water, reached over 275 million people this year. These same programs, alongside our No Lean Season program, have been named “Top” or “Standout” charities by GiveWell in 2017, with Deworm the World being named a Top Charity for the fifth year in a row. In parallel to these scaled programs, Evidence Action also leverages its unique Beta incubator to explore what interventions with initial evidence of impact might be suitable for massive scale up to become our next flagship programs. Evidence Action has a presence across 10 countries, with major offices in Washington, DC, Nairobi, Kenya, and Delhi, India.

Role Overview

Evidence Action is seeking a part-time General Counsel, averaging 16- 24 hours per week, to serve as chief legal officer and advisor. The position reports to the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO). The General Counsel represents Evidence Action in all legal matters, provides legal guidance to the CFAO and Global Leadership Team, and acts as a policy and risk advisory on all operations and major initiatives, to include: employment, grants and contracts, governance and compliance.  

The incumbent will assess risks and seek measures to mitigate them to maintain and protect Evidence Action’s reputation, name, human and financial resources, programs and services. S/he will proactively identify and mitigate legal risk to protect Evidence Action from undue legal exposure, liability and significant financial loss while facilitating achievement of Evidence Action’s mission and vision.

The influence of this position is broad, as Evidence Action is a non-profit international company, so legal review and approval will be required for various international operational and initiative-related matters to include partnering with law firms in other countries and our current legal pro bono advisors.

The specific work schedule will be determined by the candidate and hiring manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

HUMAN RESOURCES

Provide ongoing advice regarding U.S. labor laws including applicable state laws.
Provide advice related to recruitment, terminations, disciplinary procedures and compensation and benefits for employees.
Review HR policies and manuals to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations in all countries where Evidence Action has operations.  This could include establishing and managing relations with local counsel in these countries
GRANTS & CONTRACTS

Draft and / or review MOU’s and contracts, including maintaining standard templates for grants, contracts, and consultant agreements.
Review grants and contracts (in-coming and out-going) with vendors and partner organizations.
Support negotiations on contracts.
Provide innovative contractual solutions for implementing programs in foreign countries.
Advise on intellectual property clauses in agreements particularly with research institutions with whom we partner
 INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS

Support Evidence Action’s mission to work across borders, addressing questions as they arise specifically as it relates to expanding into new countries. This includes working with international and local law firms, businesses and partners to ensure that risks are appropriately addressed.
Access local legal expertise related to labor, tax, and contract law in other countries including, but not limited to Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia and Nepal.
 RISK AND GOVERNANCE

Be a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leadership to identify and take appropriate measures to mitigate legal and related risks in the operations of Evidence Action
Provide support for non-profit governance where necessary, such as updating bylaws; revising articles of incorporation; revising conflict of interest policies; maintain whistleblower policies, creating other corporate documents and policies; and advising on good corporate governance.
Provide advice on maintaining 501(c)(3) status, including where appropriate, unrelated business income and compliance with lobbying restrictions.
Ensure that all fundraising practices comply with U.S., state, and local privacy and solicitation laws.
OTHER DUTIES

Other legal advice, as needed, including, but not limited to legal compliance, advice on insurance coverage, intellectual property, property law and taxes.
Qualifications

Evidence Action places strong value on relevant personal qualities: entrepreneurialism, responsibility, tenacity, independence, energy, and work ethic. We seek a highly committed and adaptable individual with a track record of delivering quality results in quickly changing circumstances. You should be able to work independently and effectively in a high-pressure, unstructured environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The ideal candidate will also possess cultural sensitivity skills and demonstrate high emotional intelligence, as they will be working closely with a variety of internal and external partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

JD from accredited law school.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably obtained in a law firm and/or in-house.
Licensed in good standing to practice law in the District of Columbia or ability to waive into DC
Experience with complex government, quasi-government and/or nonprofit institutions.
Substantive experience managing relationships with and providing guidance to a diverse group of senior executives and the CEO, as well as an ability to work across organizational lines.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and a strong customer-focus orientation.
Preferred:

International non-profit experience
Ability to balance organizational needs and legal considerations to find solutions
Sense of humor
Prefer candidates who are skilled relationship builders and partners to in-house teams

This listing expired on Oct 15. Applications are no longer accepted.

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