CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today's most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a Regional Legal Counsel - CIMMYT
Overview
About our organization:
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. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org
CIMMYT is looking for a:
Regional Legal Counsel
The Regional Legal Counsel is an in-house lawyer who provides comprehensive legal support for all CIMMYT operations in the region. This position advises on contracts, legal transactions, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and all other legal matters relevant to the department. The role ensures effective legal coverage across the region and contributes to the delivery of legal services throughout CIMMYT's regional operations.
Duties and responsibilities
* Lead contract drafting, review, negotiation, and administration for grants, research agreements, procurement, leases, NDAs, Host Country Agreements, and related legal instruments to ensure legal soundness and timely operational support.
* Provide practical legal advice across multiple jurisdictions on corporate, regulatory, employment, tax, administrative, dispute, and other legal matters to support sound and compliant decision-making.
* Lead regional compliance support, including investigations, case management, reporting, and training, to strengthen adherence to internal policies and external legal requirements.
* Support regional departments and country operations with day-to-day legal guidance to enable compliant, risk-aware, and efficient implementation of institutional activities.
* Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks, including data privacy, research ethics, health and safety, environmental, and other emerging compliance requirements, to protect CIMMYT's interests.
* Coordinate with Headquarters and regional stakeholders on governance, policy interpretation, and institutional legal matters to ensure consistency and alignment across the region.
* Conduct legal research, prepare legal opinions and related documents, and improve legal tools and workflows to strengthen service delivery across the region.
Requirements
* Master's degree in Law (LL.M.) or related advanced legal qualification.
* At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel or in a comparable legal role, preferably supporting regional or multi-jurisdictional operations.
* Strong experience in contracts, legal advisory, regulatory compliance, and risk management; experience in international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations is an advantage.
Education, knowledge and experience
• Master's degree in Law (LL.M.) or related advanced legal qualification.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel or in a comparable legal role, preferably supporting regional or multi-jurisdictional operations.
• Strong experience in contracts, legal advisory, regulatory compliance, and risk management; experience in international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations is an advantage.
Terms and conditions
• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://www.worldagroforestry.org/career/regional-legal-counsel-cimmyt
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply (https://recruit.landscapealliance.org/jobs/Careers/206844000052419077/Regional-Legal-Counsel---CIMMYT?%24apply=true) Download (https://www.cifor.org/wp-content/uploads/career/Regional Legal Counsel - CIMMYT.pdf)
The application deadline is 16 Jul, 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.