BirdLife International is the world's largest nature conservation Partnership, made up of 125 BirdLife Partners worldwide, uniting and strengthening conservation across borders. We are recruiting a Legal and Risk Officer to join the Legal & Risk team in Cambridge, UK, on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. The role is full-time (35 hours per week) with hybrid working (minimum one day per week in Cambridge). Salary is £40,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, plus a 12% pension contribution and 25 days annual leave pro rata.
You will provide practical, solutions-focused advice across a diverse range of legal and compliance matters, working with colleagues and partners around the world.
Key responsibilities:
- Draft, review and improve contracts and legal documents, advising colleagues on risks and escalating issues where appropriate.
- Support partnerships and procurement through the preparation and review of sub-grant, consultancy and other agreements.
- Manage organisational risk through insurance renewals, claims administration and effective legal and compliance processes.
- Support due diligence, including checks relating to sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements.
- Help develop and implement policies, procedures and controls that manage legal and regulatory risk.
- Support GDPR compliance activities and promote good data protection practice.
- Advise local teams on the legal and compliance requirements affecting BirdLife offices and separately registered entities around the world.
- Work with external counsel, translating legal advice into clear, practical recommendations.
- Research and communicate legal developments on relevant topics.
- Keep template contracts, guidance and internal resources accurate and fit for purpose.
Requirements:
A qualified solicitor, experienced paralegal or Legal Executive with proven experience in a legal department, either in-house or in private practice, and a good working knowledge of English law, particularly contract law, data protection and privacy, compliance and corporate governance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly to colleagues without a legal background. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure. A creative, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, good planning and project management skills, strong numeracy and literacy, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel. Fluency in English is essential; French, Spanish or Portuguese would be an advantage.
Benefits include hybrid working, a workplace in the David Attenborough Building conservation campus, pension contribution of up to 12%, 25 days holiday rising to 28 with service, LinkedIn Learning access, cycle to work scheme and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Application deadline: Monday 19 October 2026– 23:59 BST
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the BirdLife International Teamtailor careers page. Application deadline: Monday 19 October 2026, 23:59 BST. Interviews will be held during the week of 26 October. The full job description is available at https://www.birdlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Legal-Risk-Officer_JD_Dec-25.pdf
https://birdlifeinternational.teamtailor.com/jobs/8497048-legal-and-risk-officer-12-month-fixed-term-contract