Lawyer

The role of In-House Counsel is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced lawyer looking for a varied, rewarding and vital role within an international charitable organisation.

Position: Lawyer

Location: Home-based

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (flexible working available)

Salary: £50,000 per annum

Contract: Working primarily from home, this is a maternity cover contract starting as soon as possible until November 2022.

Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, Healthshield plan, confidential counselling service, subsidised restaurant, free parking, enhanced maternity/paternity benefits, Life Assurance Scheme, 31 day’s holiday per year, inclusive of the 8 statutory public holidays. This increases by one day each year until a maximum of 34 days is reached.

Closing Date: Monday 27 September 2021

The Role

As In-House Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in safeguarding the reputation and assets of the charity, providing a diverse range of professional legal advice and support to stakeholders – both domestically, and in our global operations. A UK qualified lawyer with preferably three to five years of relevant post-qualification in-house and/or international legal experience you will develop the legal function and processes to best support the Charity in delivering its charitable objectives. Working closely with external law firms, where needed, you will ensure that high quality and cost effective legal support is obtained, including the development of a cost-effective framework of legal provision across a spectrum of required specialisms, both in the UK and internationally.

An ambassador for collaborative cross-functional working, and possessing outstanding communication, diplomatic and problem solving skills, you will offer valuable support and guidance to a diverse range of business areas across the charity and to other members of the Legal and Governance team. You will advise all functions on legal risks arising from the organisation’s operations, ensuring key stakeholders are informed of all relevant new legal and regulatory developments. In addition, you will assist with the drafting and negotiation of contracts and other key agreements.

Whilst the role is advertised as full time, we would, in keeping with the Charity’s ethos, welcome applications for candidates seeking to work compressed or flexible hours. A job share between two suitable candidates will also be considered.

About You

The ability to understand and interpret complex legal information pertinent to the operations of a charity and its global operations, and to provide commercial legal advice in a concise and clear manner, together with the ability to work largely without supervision, is essential. Experience as a lawyer in the not-for-profit sector, and a working knowledge of charity and commercial law, intellectual property and regulation and organisation policy drafting, is desirable.

If you feel you have the qualifications, skills and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding and vital role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please complete our on-line application form, which should include your uploaded curriculum vitae

In return…

You can be part of an evolving program of change taking place within a leading charity working in an area of outstanding natural beauty. With amazing benefits and opportunities to develop you career, you can really make a difference in a fulfilling and rewarding role.

About the Organisation

The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

“The Sanctuary is a positive place to work with friendly staff and a wonderful charity. With amazing work throughout the world, once you join you never want to leave!”

We are a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

You may also have experience in areas such as Lawyer, Solicitor, Legal, Animal, In House Counsel, Charity Lawyer, Not for Profit Lawyer, Animal Lawyer, Senior Lawyer, Lead Lawyer.