Legal Counsel (Locally Recruited)

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Legal Counsel. The successful candidate will support the Regional Legal Counsel in delivering timely legal services, contract management, legal research, compliance monitoring, corporate governance, and legal operations, primarily in Bangladesh, while also providing support to regional legal initiatives as required. 

The position will be based at CIMMYT's Bangladesh Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Specific duties:

• Support the contract lifecycle by drafting, reviewing, revising, amending, and quality-controlling agreements entered into by CIMMYT with national and international public and private entities, using approved templates, institutional standards, and Legal Department guidance.
• Conduct first-level legal review of contracts, amendments, memoranda of understanding, letters, institutional instruments, and other legal documents, identifying legal, contractual, compliance, intellectual property, governance, and operational risks for escalation to the Regional Legal Counsel.
• Support contract negotiation processes with internal clients, partners, donors, service providers, host institutions, government counterparts, and other stakeholders under the supervision of the Regional Legal Counsel.
• Prepare legal comments, negotiation mark-ups, legal summaries, risk notes, briefing notes, correspondence, memoranda, meeting minutes, presentations, and other legal documents to support institutional decision-making.
• Support contract management activities, including intake review, verification of supporting documentation, preparation of signature packages, cover sheets, Adobe Sign processing, execution tracking, and proper use of the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system.
• Ensure timely follow-up of assigned legal matters through the Legal Department's ticketing system, CLM tools, dashboards, trackers, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain legal files, contract records, agreement databases, host country instruments, legal correspondence, and institutional documentation in accordance with document retention, confidentiality, and information security requirements.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on applicable laws, regulations, legal frameworks, corporate and contractual requirements, institutional obligations, and other legal matters relevant to CIMMYT's operations.
• Support the Regional Legal Counsel in coordinating external legal counsel by preparing instruction packages, collecting supporting documents, reviewing deliverables, monitoring deadlines, and following up on assigned matters.
• Monitor contract deadlines, renewals, registrations, filings, and other institutional compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of Legal Department processes, templates, guidelines, workflows, dashboards, service delivery standards, and legal documentation.
• Support the implementation and adoption of Legal Department systems and technologies, including Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Adobe Sign, ticketing systems, dashboards, and workflow automation tools.
• Prepare agendas, attend meetings, record meeting minutes, monitor action items, and coordinate follow-up with internal stakeholders, external legal counsel, and Headquarters.
• Support the Legal Department in internal processes, legal operations, internal controls, policy implementation, institutional risk management, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Prepare presentations, consolidated reports, legal trackers, dashboards, and analytical materials for management and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the Legal Department and CIMMYT before government authorities and external forums when delegated by the Regional Legal Counsel.
• Prepare legal awareness materials, guidance notes, and training materials to support institutional legal compliance and best practices.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

The selected candidate should possess:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (LL.B.) in Law from a recognized university.
• LL.M. will be considered an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years' experience in a legal support, paralegal, contract administration, corporate legal, or legal advisory role within a company, law firm, international organization, NGO, or research institution.
• Experience supporting contract lifecycle management and legal operations in an international or multicultural environment will be considered an advantage.

Technical Knowledge

• Full professional proficiency in English (minimum C1 CEFR). English language proficiency will be assessed during the recruitment process.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, with the willingness and ability to quickly learn new technologies and legal systems.
• Familiarity with Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) systems; experience with ICERTIS will be considered an advantage.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), legal ticketing systems, electronic signature platforms (e.g., Adobe Sign), dashboards, and contract automation software is highly desirable.
• Strong legal drafting, legal research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify legal, contractual, compliance, governance, operational, and intellectual property risks, summarize legal issues clearly, and escalate matters appropriately.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with internal clients, government counterparts, partners, donors, service providers, external legal counsel, and institutional stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously, prioritize competing assignments, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of integrity.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multicultural, multidisciplinary, and international environment, including coordination with regional offices and Headquarters.

Competencies

• Teamwork – Collaborates effectively with colleagues across functions, cultures, and locations to achieve organizational goals.
• Customer Orientation – Provides responsive, practical, and professional legal support while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative Thinking – Applies analytical thinking, sound judgment, and innovative approaches to resolve legal and operational challenges.
• Achievement Orientation – Demonstrates accountability, initiative, ownership, and commitment to delivering high-quality results within agreed timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, professionalism, and a strong sense of urgency while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintains the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professional integrity.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, after which further employment is subject to

performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package,

with a range of benefits including health insurance.

Candidates must apply online to BD26323 Junior Legal Counsel.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Monday 24th August 2026. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment team can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

This position is recruited locally. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the duty station country at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

This position will remain open until filled.