The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) is a multilateral investment organisation that enables innovators to achieve sustainable impact at scale and measurably improve the lives of underserved and vulnerable people. GIF is focused on climate adaptation and resilience and inclusive economic opportunities. Headquartered in London with offices in Nairobi and Singapore, GIF invests across Africa and Asia to de-risk breakthrough ideas and enable their large-scale adoption. GIF operates a unique hybrid model as both a UK registered charity and an investor.
GIF is seeking to appoint its principal legal adviser, company secretary and a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This broad and varied role spans investment transactions, fundraising, board governance, legal compliance and organisational risk. In addition to leading the legal function, the HR and ESG functions report into this role on an oversight basis.
Primary responsibilities include: serving as GIF's principal legal adviser to the CEO, CIO, SLT and Board; structuring, reviewing and negotiating grants, loans, equity and other risk-capital investments; negotiating funding agreements with external funders; managing Board and committee cycles, papers, resolutions and delegated authorities; ensuring policies and procedures are in place and enforced; overseeing compliance including charity law, corporate law, sanctions, AML, data protection and procurement; chairing the organisation risk panel; managing external counsel; and providing oversight to the HR Director and ESG Managing Director.
Skills and experience: 12+ years' relevant legal experience, ideally including venture capital, private equity, impact investing, development finance, charities or international development. Qualified solicitor in England and Wales or equivalent; strong transaction experience across grants, loans, equity and blended finance; demonstrable governance and company secretarial experience; and experience working in a small, lean, mission-driven organisation across multiple jurisdictions. Location: London, UK (Hybrid, 3 days a week in office). Annual salary £120K GBP. Permanent, full-time. Reporting to CEO; manages a team of 3; candidate level Senior Leadership.
Closing date: 2026-08-31
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement. Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full_name_CV_org_name_role and full_name_role_CL. The deadline for applications is Monday 31st August, 9:00 am CET. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply via: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17809932134480041662VCZ