General Counsel

International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets, and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

Position Summary

The General Counsel serves as a legal advisor to IFDC, providing both strategic and operational legal support to the Board and management across IFDC’s global operations. The role balances Board-level advisory responsibilities with timely legal guidance to internal functions, operating with a high degree of independence and direct access to the Board Chair and Audit & Risk Committee Chair for sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Board Governance & Advisory
  • Serve as legal advisor to the Board on governance, compliance, and fiduciary matters
  • Conduct research on emerging legal issues and advise the Board accordingly
  • Participate in Board meetings and provide legal perspectives on strategic issues
  • Ensure appropriate balance between Board-related support and broader organizational legal needs
• Legal Advisory & Contract Management
  • Provide accurate, timely, and practical legal counsel on corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and employment law
  • Prepare, review, advise and negotiate commercial documents including contracts, agreements, and partnerships
  • Analyze and review contracts to ensure alignment with organizational interests
  • Interpret and recommend updates to constitutive documents, policies, and internal frameworks
• Compliance, Risk & Global Legal Oversight
  • Ensure IFDC complies with statutory and regulatory requirements across operating jurisdictions
  • Monitor adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including corporate governance and ESG requirements
  • Identify potential legal risks and develop mitigation strategies, advising on directors’ and officers’ insurance and other risk management policies
  • Plan and implement statutory annual legal and governance audits for compliance
  • Provide legal oversight across multiple jurisdictions, especially in Africa and Asia, and support legal matters in francophone jurisdictions where applicable
• Litigation & External Counsel Management
  • Develop legal strategies for disputes, controversies, and litigation
  • Represent IFDC in litigation and related matters personally or via law firms
  • Liaise with external lawyers and regulatory bodies on compliance matters
  • Oversee litigation and manage external counsel, controlling legal costs
  • Optimize engagement with external counsel across jurisdictions without relying on a single global firm
• Policy, Training & Internal Enablement
  • Assist in drafting and reviewing internal policies for legal compliance
  • Educate board members and staff on legal issues and compliance requirements
  • Support compliance training and awareness initiatives
  • Contribute to strengthening governance processes and internal compliance mechanisms

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• University degree in Law or a closely related field
• Master’s degree in law, business administration, or a relevant field (advantageous)
• Minimum 7 years of post‑admission experience in legal services, with at least 3 years in a senior management role

Professional Qualifications

• Licensed attorney and member in good standing of a recognized bar association
• Strong background in international legal frameworks, including familiarity with regulatory and policy environments in multiple jurisdictions, particularly across Africa and Asia
• Experience working with NGOs and in international contexts
• Familiarity with U.S. legal and regulatory frameworks (not mandatory)
• Proficiency in both English and French (preferred)

Professional Membership

• Membership in the Law Society of the relevant jurisdiction

Key Skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues
• Ability to identify and convey legal issues and risks clearly
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and meet statutory deadlines
• Ability to lead and motivate teams for optimal productivity
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to operate independently while engaging effectively with senior leadership and the Board

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the President and CEO.

Location

National recruitment with duty station in Alabama.

Benefits

Annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

Salary grade: BG 12. Determination considers job grade, qualifications, internal fairness, market conditions, and organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. All employment decisions are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, aligning with values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.