AKDN Legal Manager

3759BR

Aga Khan Development Network

The position

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a network of private, international, non-denominational development organizations working in over 30 countries. AKDN works to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa, although some of our research, education and cultural programs span both the developed and developing world. While each AKDN Agency pursues its own mandate, all of them work together in the overarching framework of the Network so that their different pursuits interact and reinforce one another.
 
AKDN is seeking a qualified, full-time lawyer with 5-10 years of experience to join the AKDN legal department. This role is crucial for managing AKDN’s day-to-day legal work, ensuring compliance with international laws and regulations across the Network, and supporting the adoption and implementation of new legal technologies to enhance AKDN operations.
 
Location. Geneva, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities.

Provide legal support and guidance on emerging projects and initiatives; review, draft, and negotiate contracts and grants, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and legal standards. 

Evaluate and mitigate legal risks associated with AKDN’s operations, advising on potential legal issues and proposing solutions, ensuring adherence to international sanctions and anti-corruption laws, and supporting transactional due diligence across the Network. 

Manage the ongoing development of legal compliance training, including working closely with the Head of Legal and the panel of trainers globally to understand overall training needs and goals, target and shape training materials, work with administrative assistant to organize related meetings. 
  Implement and manage new legal technologies and processes across the Networks’ agencies in close collaboration with the legal team, 3rd party technology providers and IT to improving efficiency and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate legal compliance solutions into broader AKDN practices. 

Keep abreast of changes in laws and regulations that may impact the Network’s operations, particularly in an international context. 

Manage confidential information with discretion and in accordance with legal and ethical standards. 

The requirements

Licensed to practice law with 5-10 years of experience, preferably in an international context. A Swiss qualified lawyer would be preferable, but not mandatory.  Strong understanding of contract law, international sanctions, anti-corruption practices, and compliance requirements.  Experience with legal risk management and mitigation strategies.  Demonstrated ability in implementing legal technologies and processes to improve efficiency.  Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.  Fluency in English is required. Ability to work in other relevant language(s) would be an asset.  Must hold a valid work permit for Switzerland. 

Sector

General Development

---