Legal Counsel And Senior Director For Organizational Assurance

Posting Closing Date: Friday, January 31, 2025

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that demonstrates God’s love and compassion. ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

ADRA International is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.  As such we have the right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in the hiring process.  In the event that a qualified SDA candidate is not found, we will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand, respect and honor the mission, purpose, and identity of ADRA International

SUMMARY

Senior Director & Legal Counsel for Organizational Assurance will provide counsel, oversight and management on issues related to legal compliance and managing organizational assurance with the purpose of building Organizational Excellence. This position will manage the areas of Safeguarding, Protections and Safety & Security

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OUTCOMES

• ADRA USG agreement and Non-USG agreements and contracts have a robust organizational systems and controls for maintaining compliance with prime and sub-award requirements
• ADRA programs and operations are reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with most recent regulations.
• ADRA International personnel utilize accurate documentation and templates such as MOU’s, contracts, etc..
• ADRA International staff are aware of compliance issues and play a critical role in minimize the legal and compliance risk.

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PRE-REQUISITES

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited U.S. law school and a member of one of the U.S. State Bars or the District of Columbia.

Preferred 

• Minimum of 10 plus years of experience in a related field (i.e., law firm, U.S. NGO or international organization).
• Demonstrated knowledge and prior experience working with major statutory donors, including but not limited to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FCDO, ECHO/Other EU directorates, UN agencies, and others.
• Experience with prime and sub-recipient monitoring on USG projects, and knowledge of U.S. Government and donor rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and compliance issues associated with those requirements.
• Exposure to and/or familiarity with the areas of law relevant to general non-profit management. 
• Previous experience working for NGO or international organization is highly desirable.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills. Ability to effectively represent the organization to internal and external audiences. Ability to effectively present to multiple groups including senior management and the Board. 
• Organized, detail-oriented with strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff at all levels.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, challenging and changing environments, and to see through challenges to find creative solutions.
• Proven experience and ability to motivate and manage personnel in a diverse, dynamic, and growing work environment, prioritizing employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Fully functional in using all of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Excellent communication, coaching and facilitation skills.
• Deep commitment to ADRA’s values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

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BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Deciding and Initiating Action (1.1) - Makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks.
• Leading and Supervising (1.2) - Provides others with a clear direction; sets appropriate standards of behavior.
• Persuading and Influencing (3.2) - Makes a strong personal impression on others; gains clear agreement and commitment from others.
• Presenting and Communicating Information (3.3) - Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information, and key points of an argument clearly.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Counsel Liaison:

• Serve as ADRA/I’s internal liaison with the Office of the General Counsel of the General Conference and advisor for ADRA/I’s programs operations and business transactions.
• Recommend actions to senior management to ensure that ADRA/I conducts its international non-profit and USG activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in defining and developing corporate policies, procedures and provide continuing counsel and guidance on compliance matters relating to ADRA/I programs and operations.
• Review, prepare templates, negotiate, and sign-off on a wide variety of ADRA’s legal documents/agreements, including, but not limited to, program and partner agreements, MOUs, vendor agreements, grant/donation documentation, confidentiality agreements, implementation agreements, professional services, and contractual agreements both domestically and internationally. 
• Provide thorough review with new laws and regulations and provide in house written guidance to  administration and key department that are impacted by the new laws and regulations.

Organizational Assurance:

• Ensure robust organizational systems and controls for maintaining compliance with USG and other donors.
• Remain current on external governance trends, general legal issues, and best practices; provide proactive updates to staff, including Administration.
• Interpret and apply statutory and regulatory rules & regulations using experience and expertise to execute awards and contracts from statutory entities and to maintain a current knowledge of changes in the language, application, and enforcement of these rules and regulations.
• Serve as a key member of the Ethic and Compliance Committee ( ECC) for ADRA/International by providing advice and support to the ECC, and perform follow up actions as necessary with donors and partners.
• Assist in investigations related to the ECC.
• Manage the work flows and operations for the Global Safeguarding and Protections positions.
• Remain current on trends and issues related to the protection and safeguarding of ADRA’s Representatives, Beneficiaries and related personnel.
• Review and negotiate professional services agreements and other commercial contracts.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transactional documents such as Teaming agreement, project implementation agreement, MOU’s, contracts, any others as needed for the successful operation of ADRA/I.
• Manage the development of standard templates and terms and conditions for award documents, sub-awards, contracts, and other guidance documents as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to all units in the identification and mitigation of compliance risks associated with new and existing awards/projects and business transaction.
• Lead a team of Compliance professionals to prepare informed decisions and facilitate compliance review processes at ADRA/I.
• Play a key role in the efforts to increase the capacity of ADRA staff both at ADRA International and in the Country Offices to effectively meet compliance requirements through designing and conducting in-person trainings and workshops where and when needed.
• Provide support in the preparation and submission of government reporting documents including Grants.gov, USAID registration, SAM, and others. 
• Ensure overall compliance with Patriot Act, FFATA, Non-US USAID SR monitoring and relevant reporting requirements.
• Review, assist, and update project plans related to the rollout of new processes and systems.
• Support network offices regarding their questions on US law, especially with regard to US Sanctions.

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TRAVEL

Up to 30% domestic and international travel required. Must have the ability to travel on short notice if necessary.

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Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, network employees, donors and the public in a professional and pleasant manner.

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Person must be able to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.  Incumbent should be in optimal health for difficult and temporary below-basic living conditions at overseas location and for field travel in general.

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• ECC
• Leadership Advisory Council (TBA)

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