General counsel – Greenpeace International

Are you passionate about the prospect of challenging work and committed to the fight for justice and equity, animated by kindness?

Are you willing to speak truth to power with an international, legal and activist mentality?

Greenpeace International is seeking a General Counsel to continue its proud tradition of building movements that fight for a just and sustainable future for our planet and its people. For half a century, Greenpeace has organised, advocated, and agitated for environmental justice, sustainability, and human rights; more recently, it has been a leader in the fight for climate justice. Today, Greenpeace is a global network of 27 independent national and regional Greenpeace organisations, with Greenpeace International as the coordinating and supporting organisation.

The General Counsel will lead a team of specialised lawyers that provides independent legal advice to Greenpeace International and the global Greenpeace network. This includes advice on the following matters: strategic litigation to advance the fight against environmental destruction; risk management and strategic defence of campaigns, the organisation, and staff; advocacy efforts to strengthen environmental and human rights; freedom of expression and assembly, freedom of association, transparency; and accountability of governments and corporations at a systemic level.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Independent And Strategic Legal Advice To Greenpeace International (GPI) Leadership

• Global Legal Strategy Development And Implementation

• Line Management & Financial Oversight

• Risk Management & Mitigation

• Dispute And Litigation Management

• Legal Network Maintenance, Internal and External Liaison and Represent GPI

• Organisational Support, Governance & Compliance

• Capacity Building, Training And Knowledge Sharing

More information and a full job description can be found in the Appointment Brief.

Requirements

A successful applicant is expected to have the following qualifications and experience:

• University degree in law;

• Admission and good standing with the Dutch Bar Association (preferred), or admission and good standing with a comparable bar association that guarantees attorney-client privilege to in-house counsels at a comparable level;

• Minimum 10 years of experience in legal practice, in an international context, including representation of public interest organisations (preferred);

• Minimum 7 years of experience in criminal, administrative and/or civil litigation, including experience as lead counsel (preferred);

• Experience with strategic communications & reputation management (preferred);

• Experience in NGO governance matters (preferred);

• Experience of using law in a campaigning context (preferred);

• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and ability to collaborate with cross-cultural teams;

• Exceptional influencing skills, and strong negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation and presentation skills;

• Experience in building and managing legal teams in a cross-cultural setting;

• Experience in budget management;

• Ability to communicate complex legal issues, tailored to targeted audiences;

• Ability to work under pressure; Strong analytical skills;

• Fluent written and spoken English and knowledge of additional languages is preferred;

• Digitally literate and data-informed;

• Flexible approach to working hours, including working across multiple time-zones, and regular international travel.

Compensation benefits

Candidate should be open to being located at the GPI office in Amsterdam or at one of the National/Regional Greenpeace Organisations’ offices, to be determined through mutual agreement with the hiring manager.

The salary and benefits will depend on which National/Regional Greenpeace Organisation the successful candidate will be based at. More information is available upon request.

Organisation description

Greenpeace is taking action all over the world for our planet’s future. Our volunteers, activists and staff come from all corners of the globe, cover the age spectrum and come from all walks of life. What they all have in common is their commitment to working for a green and peaceful future for everyone. With creative local actions for the planet they positively affect their communities, their countries, and ultimately, the world at large.

Greenpeace International is an equal opportunity employer with a longstanding commitment of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual. We recognise and value the benefits and strengths that diversity brings to our employees and the whole organisation and we thrive in an environment that encourages respect and trust. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic and would like to invite you especially to apply!