Job Description
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a
dynamic and experienced Legal Specialist to support our Legal Team in Lima,
Peru. The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advisory
services and ensures effective management of legal and contractual risks by
providing such advice and assistance to the Area leaders of research and
operations in HQ and regions.
The Center:
CIP is a not-for-profit
international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus
on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and
tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food
security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and
tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners
to contribute to high-quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for
sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with
staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin
America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership. CGIAR is a global
research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food,
land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its science is carried out by 15
Research Centers in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
About the role:
The successful candidate will provide
specialized legal advisory and contractual support to contribute to the Unit’s
goals. The Legal Specialist will report to the Legal Senior Manager and will be
based in Lima, Peru.
Key responsibilities:
•Provide accurate
and timely legal advice to managers and staff on contractual, institutional,
and operational matters.
•Draft, review, and
negotiate contracts and agreements (HCAs, Collaboration Agreements, MoUs, NDAs,
and third-party agreements), identifying risks and proposing mitigation.
•Support
implementation of CIP policies and procedures, promoting legal, compliance, and
risk management best practices.
•Monitor legislative
changes affecting CIP operations across LAC, Africa, and Asia.
•Coordinate due
diligence and validation of partners, contractors, and suppliers.
•Design and deliver
legal training to business units.
•Own legal
templates, clause libraries, and monitoring tools, recommending process
improvements.
•Coordinate and
manage the signing process of legal documents and contracts, ensuring timely
follow-up and filing in electronic and physical archives, directing support
from the Legal Intern, if assigned.
•Own legal intake,
ticket registration, and workload tracking, producing periodic metrics and
reports on legal workload and service delivery, with data-entry and tracking
support from the Legal Intern, if assigned.
•Supervise and guide
the Legal Intern, if assigned.
•Comply, in the
performance of assigned tasks, with applicable national and international laws,
regulations, and standards, including health and safety requirements.
Requirements
What are we looking for?
·Law degree with professional title (Título de
Abogado) and active bar membership (Colegiatura – CAL or regional equivalent).
·At least 6 years of relevant professional
experience in a similar legal position.
·Proven experience drafting and negotiating
contracts and agreements.
·Specialization in contracts law (desired).
·Experience in international organizations or NGOs
is preferred.
·Familiarity with Peruvian legal procedures and
international agreements.
·Knowledge of intellectual property law applicable
to science and development (desired).
·Advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical
skills.
·Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
·Fluent in Spanish and advanced English (written and
oral, C1 or higher) required.
·Strong innovation, accountability, teamwork, and
integrity; ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive legal
information.
Benefits
Why
should you consider this opportunity?
·CIP is a global and reputable international organization
that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
·CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving
nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber
farming and food systems in the developing world.
·CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research
partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to
transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is
carried out by 15 CGIAR Research Centers in close collaboration with hundreds
of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society
organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.
·Be part of a vibrant legal community of practice composed
of lawyers from CGIAR’s 15 International Centers.
·Work in an international environment with operations
across LAC, Africa and Asia.
What are we offering?
Great
career opportunity in an international organization.One-year
term contract with the possibility of renewal.Work in an equal and diverse
workplace.
How to apply?
Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and
submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of
applications will begin on November 12, 2026, and will continue until
the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only
short-listed candidates will be contacted.