General Counsel

About IFDC

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth. 

We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations. 

 

Our Values 

We are guided by four core principles: 

Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact. 

Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions. 

Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups. 

Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us. 

Position Summary

The General Counsel serves as a legal advisor to the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) providing both strategic and operational legal support to the Board and management across IFDC’s global operations. The role requires balancing Board-level advisory responsibilities with timely legal guidance to internal functions.

The position operates with a high degree of independence, including direct access to the Board Chair and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) Chair for sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Board Governance & Advisory
• Serve as legal advisor to the Board on governance, compliance, and fiduciary matters;
• Conduct research on emerging legal issues and advising the Board accordingly;
• Participate in Board meetings and provide legal perspectives on strategic issues;
• Ensure appropriate balance between Board-related support and broader organizational legal needs.
• Legal Advisory & Contract Management
• Provide accurate, timely and practical legal counsel to management on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and employment law;
• Prepare, review, advise and negotiate a wide range of commercial documents including contracts, agreements, and partnerships;
• Analyze and review contracts to ensure alignment with organizational interests;
• Interpret and recommend updates to constitutive documents, policies, and internal frameworks.
• Compliance, Risk & Global Legal Oversight
• Ensure IFDC complies with statutory and regulatory requirements across all operating jurisdictions;
• Monitor adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including corporate governance and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) related requirement;
• Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them including advising on Directors’ and officers’ insurance and other risk management policies;
• Plan and implement statutory annual legal and governance audits to ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements;
• Provide legal oversight across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in Africa and Asia, reflecting the organization’s operational footprint;
• Support legal matters in francophone jurisdictions where applicable.
• Litigation & External Counsel Management
• Develop legal strategies aimed at solving disputes, controversies and litigation;
• Represent IFDC in litigation and various legal matters either personally or through instructions to law firms engaged for that purpose;
• Liaise with external lawyers and regulatory bodies/agencies on compliance related issues;
• Oversee litigation including managing external legal counsel and controlling legal costs;
• Optimize engagement with external counsel across jurisdictions. Recognizing IFDC does not rely on a single global law firm.
• Policy, Training & Internal Enablement
• Assist in drafting and reviewing internal policies to ensure they comply with legal standards and best practices;
• Educate board members and staff on legal issues and compliance requirements to ensure awareness of their responsibilities;
• Support compliance training and awareness initiatives across the organization;
• Contribute to strengthening governance processes and internal compliance mechanisms.
  
  

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• University degree in Law or a closely related field;
• Master's degree in law or business administration or any other relevant field is considered as an added advantage;
• Minimum of 7 years' post admission experience in legal services, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
  
  

Professional Qualifications

• Must be a licensed attorney and member in good standing of a recognized bar association;
• Strong background in international legal frameworks, including familiarity with the regulatory and policy environments in multiple jurisdictions, particularly across Africa and Asia;
• Experience working with NGOs and in international contexts is a strong asset;
• Familiarity with U.S. legal and regulatory frameworks is a strong asset (not mandatory);
• Proficiency in both English and French preferred.
  
  

Professional Membership

• Membership in the Law Society of the relevant jurisdiction.
  
  

Key Skills

• Excellent drafting skills and negotiation skills;
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues;
• Ability to clearly identify and convey legal issues and risks;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, follow through and meet statutory and other deadlines;
• Ability to constitute, lead and motivate teams for optimal productivity;
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to operate independently while engaging effectively with senior leadership and the Board.
  
  

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position will report to the president and CEO.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station in Alabama.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 12 with an annual starting salary of USD 119,300.

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause 

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.