Description
* Executive-level role in a globally respected organization.
* Direct exposure to CEOs, Boards and international stakeholders.
## About Our Client ##
Our client is a highly respected international organization headquartered in Switzerland, operating at the intersection of global public interest, international partnerships, development initiatives and complex funding structures. Working with governments, private-sector partners, philanthropic organizations and multilateral institutions across multiple regions, the organization manages large-scale programmes with a significant worldwide impact.
## Job Description ##
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Interim General Counsel will lead a team of legal professionals and act as a trusted adviser to executive management, the board, and key internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will ensure continuity of legal leadership while supporting the organization through a period of ongoing strategic and operational activity.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Legal function, ensuring effective delivery of legal services across the organization.
* Serve as a strategic adviser to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board on legal, governance, regulatory and risk matters.
* Build credibility and trust with senior stakeholders across a complex international environment.
* Provide legal guidance on governance, institutional matters, partnerships, commercial agreements and strategic initiatives.
* Support the organization in navigating sensitive stakeholder issues and managing competing interests.
* Lead, mentor and motivate a highly capable legal team, fostering engagement and collaboration in a demanding environment.
* Ensure effective management of legal risk, compliance and organizational governance.
* Oversee external counsel relationships where required.
* Support financing, fundraising, contractual and partnership activities as needed.
* Contribute to organizational decision-making as a pragmatic business partner, balancing legal rigor with operational realities.
* Drive continuity, stability and sound judgment during the transition period.
## The Successful Applicant ##
Experience
* Qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience (typically 20+ years).
* Previous experience as **General Counsel**, Chief Legal Officer, or equivalent senior legal executive.
* Proven leadership experience managing legal teams within complex international organizations.
* Strong track record advising CEOs, Executive Committees and Boards.
* Experience operating in highly regulated and stakeholder-intensive environments.
* Exposure to international organizations, multilateral institutions, NGOs, public-sector bodies, healthcare, life sciences, development finance or similarly complex environments would be highly advantageous.
* Experience in governance, compliance, risk management and strategic transactions.
* Familiarity with financing structures, capital markets or structured financing is considered a plus.
Leadership Profile
* Calm, resilient and highly credible under pressure.
* Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
* Able to navigate sensitive political and organizational dynamics with discretion.
* Collaborative leadership style with a strong focus on empowerment rather than micromanagement.
* Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and commercially minded.
* Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.
* Able to create trust quickly with executives, board members and team members alike.
Languages
* Fluent English is essential.
* French is considered a strong advantage.
* Additional languages are welcomed.
## What's on Offer ##
* Opportunity to join a globally respected organization with significant international visibility.
* Executive-level role with direct exposure to senior leadership and governance bodies.
* Meaningful work contributing to an organization with substantial global impact.
* A highly stimulating and complex stakeholder environment.
* Initial interim assignment of approximately **8-10 months**, with potential for longer-term discussions depending on mutual interest and organizational needs.
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7051787
Job Function
Legal
Specialisation
Not for Profit
Industry
Not For Profit
Location
Geneva
Contract Type
Interim
Job Reference
JN-062026-7051787