Legal and Compliance Advisor

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, impartiality and independence. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation. HD operates in more than 40 countries with a headcount of more than 300 employees. HD is currently looking for a:

Legal and Compliance Advisor

Location: preferably Geneva-based

Starting date: As soon as possible

The Legal and Compliance Advisor will contribute by supporting the organisation and its departments identify, understand and mitigate legal risks in order to operate as safely as possible. The needs encompass legal aspects regarding grant agreements with donors, contracts and due diligence with implementing partners, compliance with the different international sanctions regimes, employment contracts, registration of HD offices abroad and any matters requiring legal counsel.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Legal and Compliance Advisor will have the following responsibilities:

• Act as focal point for all legal and compliance questions, including possible legal disputes;
• Provide high-quality legal support on matters requiring legal advice as well as review policies, contracts – including donor contracts – and any agreements with a legal aspect;
• Support on drafting resolutions, letters, memos, guidelines and participate in balanced decision-making;
• Develop a holistic compliance risk analysis and framework;
• Evaluate process gaps and communicate possible areas of non-compliance, compliance risks and collaborate with all teams to implement corrective actions if needed;
• Train HD staff on legal and compliance risks and how to mitigate them;
• Keep himself/herself abreast with the latest international legal developments and best practice impacting our field;
• Monitor effective tracking system for compliance metrics and database.

The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree in International Law or similar;
• A few years’ experience working for international NGOs in a legal capacity;
• Fluent in English, French is an asset;
• Analytical, strong attention to details with creative problem-solving abilities;
• Strong communication skills;
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirt;
• High standard of integrity and a strong work ethic;
• Ability to confront problematic issues in a professional, assertive, constructive and proactive manner.

This is a new position that can be filled through either an employment or a consultancy contract.