General Counsel

The General Counsel (GC) is the senior legal officer for FINCA International (FINCA), a tax-exempt charitable organization, and is responsible for managing overall legal risk and compliance for the organization, and providing comprehensive legal advice to its various units.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Provides advice to the Board of Directors, President & CEO and other management and staff on FINCA’s obligations as a tax-exempt charitable organization and New York not-for-profit corporation.
Provides advice on legal issues to all levels of management and staff of the organization and applicable subsidiaries, including on the legal aspects of activities within their assigned areas such as charitable projects, human resources, taxes, insurance, intellectual property, grant funding and inter-company agreements.
Organizes the institutions legal activities to protect the organization’s interest and minimize risk.
Prepares and manages the annual budget for the legal unit.
Develops policies, procedures and compliance programs.
Responsible for monitoring trademark practices and intellectual property protection.
Drafts, negotiates, and reviews term sheets, agreements, guarantees, and other legal documents as needed.
Provides legal representation and oversees litigation of the organization in any legal action initiated by or against it.
Reviews corporate documents for compliance with legal requirements, and ensures they remain current with applicable law.
Provides advice to the development department on grant and fundraising issues, including registration and compliance and grant documentation.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The FINCA General Counsel is the sole legal officer for FINCA. As such, the General Counsel must be comfortable undertaking or overseeing all legal work for the organization. FINCA is the majority shareholder of FINCA Impact Finance, a microfinance organization that carries out the FINCA mission in twenty countries, reaching nearly 2 million clients. FINCA Impact Finance and its operating subsidiaries each have their own general counsels, which the FINCA General Counsel will be expected to closely coordinate with on numerous shareholding, program, intellectual property and other matters.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
Law degree required.
Minimum eight years related increasingly responsible work experience.
Experience working with US and foreign counsel.
Work experience abroad.
International development experience preferred.
Language Skills
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal and financial documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software and Word Processing software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Licensed attorney in the US (DC bar membership required).
Knowledge of diverse legal systems required.
Other Skills and Abilities
Fluency in English required; other language capability strongly preferred, particularly Spanish, French, Russian or Arabic.
Familiarity with financial transactions and banking law is an asset.
Relevant experience for a global institution, including financial, capital markets, international, technology, litigation, contracting, governance, employment and non-profit law.
Key Relationships
President & CEO, CFO, HR, Development
Travel Requirements
20% travel required.
Physical Demands
Ability to travel in economy class when traveling by air or rail, including internationally.