ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL

The Global Innovation Fund (www.globalinnovation.fund) (GIF) is a non-profit, social-first investment vehicle established as a ‘VC for fragile places’ to find, fund, and scale-up cost-effective, evidence-based innovations that have the potential to measurably improve the lives of millions of people living on $5 a day or less. GIF was founded to invest in innovations in the public or private sector that will inspire fresh thinking and create better solutions in developing countries.

GIF is focused on doing more with less to turn ideas into impact. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the development community needs to draw on the resources of the private sector. GIF’s commitment to being part of the bridge between entrepreneurs and development finance challenges us to be creative and to seek the partnerships that drive creativity, dynamism, and collaboration. GIF’s unique hybrid model, as both a UK registered charity/US 501(c)3 and an investor, reflects our dual mission: to invest in innovations that improve the lives of the poor, and to demonstrate how bringing evidence and the power of the private sector to bear can create new solutions to persistent development problems.  

GIF offers grants, loans and equity-type investments ranging from $230,000 USD to $15 million USD to support a range of innovations with strong potential for social impact at a large scale. We support innovators at different phases of development, ranging from early start-up and pilot-testing to rigorous experiments and larger scale implementation. The innovations GIF supports can be located in any developing country and may focus on any sector relevant to international development.

POSITION SUMMARY

GIF seeks to hire an Associate General Counsel based in GIF’s London office to join the Legal team. The Associate General Counsel will report to the Chief Strategy & Legal Officer, or her designee, who will oversee his or her work.

As a core member of the Legal team, responsibilities will include:

·       Working with a small team of legal professionals to deliver solution-oriented legal advice to the GIF team; 

·       Structuring, reviewing and negotiating GIF’s risk capital investments and grants around the globe, including preparing template documents and guidance for the investment team, driving process for legal due diligence; 

·       Iterating and improving GIF’s codes of conduct, manuals, NDAs;

·       Ensuring compliance with all relevant applicable regulations in every relevant jurisdiction (including GDPR, State Aid, Sanctions, AML, etc) 

·       Reviewing all contracts and procurements 

·       Providing legal advice on HR and employment law matters from time to time

·       Obtaining and managing outside counsel in the UK and US and hiring and managing one or more members of internal legal staff 

·       Supporting the CFO in dealing with legal matters relating to tax issues 

·       Support the CSLO in forming new legal entities/subsidiaries as instructed by the board of directors

·       Advise on ad hoc legal matters as they arise from time to time

GIF is a dynamic and rapidly growing organization; the Associate General Counsel will be expected to adapt quickly to the needs of the organization and could have a range of other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Seven+ years of relevant experience, including in venture capital, private equity, impact investing, not-for-profits, social enterprises, government or international development

·       Qualified as a lawyer (Member of a Bar) in the UK with a professional qualification

·       One or more of the following would be an advantage:

o   Advanced degree in law or related field

o   Legal experience working in multiple countries (e.g. with clients in developing countries)

o   Strong network of law firms in the UK and developing countries that GIF could use to find outside counsel

·       Top-tier analytic, strategic thinking and project management skills

·       Line management experience a plus

·       Strong attention to detail and accuracy, and outstanding organization skills

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to synthesize complex ideas and clearly present recommendations

·       Superior problem-solving and decision-making skills

·       Self-initiator, with ability to work and succeed in a fast-paced, small entity environment

·       Ability to travel internationally, including to developing countries

·       A strong commitment to GIF’s mission and evidence of engagement in the areas of social innovation and international development

·       Ability to interact effectively and harmoniously with others

·       Resilience, grit and determination to succeed

• Passion, humility, integrity, team player, and a spirited sense of humor

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This role will be based in our London office. Any job offer made will be subject to the successful candidate having the authorization to work in The UK prior to commencing work at GIF. Competitive salary on offer plus excellent suite of benefits including BUPA private medical insurance and company private pension.

HOW TO APPLY

The applicants are urged to follow the instructions available on https://app.beapplied.com/apply/aoldcfvi8m. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application and in accordance to the evaluation criteria of the job opening. The application process will close at 11pm (BST) on Friday 1st October 2021.

Global Innovation Fund is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment.

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