CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Regional legal Counsel, to develop and manage strategic legal plans, overseeing internal and external legal cases, contracts and providing appropriate legal advice to promote CIMMYT's mission and vision in the Asian Region and beyond.

The location of this position will be CIMMYT’s office in Delhi, India.

Specific duties:

  • Execute and coordinate end-to-end Contract Life Cycle Management (development, drafting, review, negotiation, amendment, quality control, and archiving) of grants, subgrants, research collaboration agreements, consultancy, procurement contracts, leases, nondisclosure agreements, Host Country Agreements, and other legal instruments entered into by CIMMYT with national and international partners and service providers within the Region.
  • Provide timely, practical, and business-oriented legal advice across multiple jurisdictions in the Region, including corporate, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, criminal, and litigation-related matters.
  • Support Compliance Officer by managing and executing all aspects of case management in the region, ensuring accurate entry, tracking, timely closure, and thorough documentation of cases, maintaining high standards of quality and completeness in reports and dashboards.
  • Provide proactive legal support and day-to-day advisory services to the departments and operational units in the Region (including Research, Finance, HR, Procurement, and Operations), ensuring that institutional objectives are achieved in a legally compliant, risk-aware, and operationally efficient manner.
  • Actively participate in the implementation and monitoring of CIMMYT’s compliance program in the region, ensuring alignment with relevant policies, codes of conduct, and internal communications, and contribute to the design and delivery of compliance training tailored to regional needs.
  • Act as a legal focal point between the Region, its programs and departments, and Headquarters, consolidating visibility of multijurisdictional legal exposure and ensuring consistency in interpretation and application of institutional policies.
  • Research and analyze treaties, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures from a variety of legal areas and jurisdictions applicable in the region, to ensure its compliance; provide legal counsel and advice in diverse areas, including all areas related to corporate, criminal, regulatory, labor, tax, administrative, and litigation legislation; draft legal opinions, notes, letters, memoranda, and other legal documents.
  • Ensure effective monitoring and follow-up of entrusted legal requests and department services in the region, tracking progress through provided dashboards and KPI tools, preparing timely updates for relevant stakeholders, and guaranteeing the on-time completion of service ticketing system requests.
  • Ensure CIMMYT remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements in the Region. This includes providing legal support and expert advice on privacy and data protection, research ethics, occupational health and safety, phytosanitary standards, and environmental regulations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and chapters to develop and implement policies and procedures aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance and ethical practices in CIMMYT's research and operational activities, advising CIMMYT on potential impact and compliance strategies.
  • Identify and assess legal risks associated with CIMMYT activities and operations and develop risk management strategies to mitigate legal liabilities and safeguard the CIMMYT interest.
  •  Provide strategic, pragmatic, and collaborative legal advice daily to support the business in achieving its goals and objectives in a legally compliant and ethical manner, while also advising and supporting senior legal counsel on complex or high-impact matters
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal workflows, guidelines, and tools, while ensuring effective and timely legal service delivery across the region.
  • Support the corporate governance functions in the region, including the issuance and management of powers of attorney, drafting, formalizing minutes, and other CIMMYT Statutory obligations.
  • Support the Compliance Function, particularly in case management (entry, closing, follow-up, etc.) in coordination with HR, ensuring all required information is accurately obtained and documented, maintaining updated dashboards, and preparing reports necessary to ensure a timely process of complaints.
  • Represent the Legal Department and CIMMYT before different forums.
  • Prepare educational materials for Staff and stakeholders to support institutional research policies and procedures. Support the drafting, review, implementation, communication, and update of CIMMYT's legal policies and procedures. Prepare guides, training materials, and training on the Contract Life Cycle and tools offered by the Legal Department.
  • Represent the Legal Department and CIMMYT before different forums.
  • Perform other related tasks within the job level as may be required by the supervisor.

Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

  • The selected candidate must have a master’s degree/LL.M
  • At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience as in-house legal counsel, working in a similar position, preferably supporting multijurisdictional or regional operations; experience in regulatory and compliance matters is highly desirable.
  • Experience in international non-profit, development, research, or agricultural research organizations is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of regional legal frameworks and ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional legal environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide timely, practical, and effective legal and business advice across all organizational levels, balancing legal risks with operational needs..
  • Proven track record managing a high volume of legal matters simultaneously, working well under pressure, prioritizing competing tasks, and meeting tight deadlines consistently.
  • Excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate legal concepts in a plain manner to lay (non-legal) stakeholders.
  • Enough computer skills (at a minimum: Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat) and willingness to learn/master other programs and software as necessary.
  • High ethical standards with a strong commitment to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, strong sense of urgency, proactive follow-up skills, and ability to deliver results without compromising accuracy.
  • Detailed accuracy, acute sensitivity to the importance of time urgency, exceptional anticipation skills, and an enviable personal touch. Demonstrate consistent follow-up to ensure task completion. Consistently operate with urgency while not losing sight of the detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate precisely and professionally with internal and external sources.
  • Proficiency in English and Spanish. English will be assessed, and candidates should score at least C2 on the CEFR.
  • Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.
  • Demonstrated competencies in time management, flexibility/adaptability, customer orientation, proactivity, teamwork, achievement orientation, problem- solving, and multicultural awareness/sensitivity

The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Creative thinking, Teamwork, Communication, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Effective Communication, and Conflict Resolution and Negotiation.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, with a range of benefits including health insurance.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Friday 27th March 2026. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment team can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

This position is recruited locally. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the duty station country at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

This position will remain open until filled.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.