In-house General Counsel

Are you passionate about sustainability and driving genuine change? Do you have an interest in the Fashion Industry?

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The Sustainable Apparel Coalition are a global, multi-stakeholder non-profit alliance leading apparel and footwear brands, retailers, manufacturers, non-governmental organizations, academic experts, and government organizations working to reduce the environmental and social impacts and are looking to appoint their General Counsel.

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SAC's In-house General Counsel will be joining the SAC at a critical time when the organization is growing and the focus on sustainability across value chains is also increasing. This role involves work that touches many aspects of global law including international trademarks and intellectual property, as well as green marketing claims with a regulatory overlay and privacy law. Knowledge across these areas will be required in order to successfully carry out SAC's legal activities.

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In-house Counsel will report to the Senior Director of Operations and will work with the outsourced General Counsel, the Senior Manager of Global Contracts, and other outsourced counsel to provide legal advice and assistance to SAC's staff.

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Responsibilities

• Oversee the Senior Manager of Global Contracts on various projects and as a direct manager

• Monitor and advise staff on legislative developments related to marketing and/or green claims in the sustainability industry

• Monitor and advise staff on legislative developments related to international non-profit organizations including analysing statutes, regulations and procedures

• Advise on and/or coordinate outsourced work on corporate, contract, compliance, tax, intellectual property, international non-profit governance, and employment law issues

• Draft, review, revise, and negotiate a variety of contracts, such as agreements relating to ownership of intellectual property (trademarks and license), grants and funding from government entities and other third parties, services agreements with vendors and consultants, stakeholder collaboration agreements, and event agreements, collaborating with outside counsel as necessary

• Assist Senior Manager of Global Contracts with ensuring organizational compliance with contracts and applicable law and regulations

• Develop and update internal policies, such as anti-trust, privacy, and conflict of interest

• Monitor and manage potential litigation and any requests for information and subpoenas

• Oversee the development of training and workshops for staff and external partners

• Partner with outsourced counsel and Manager of Global Contracts to develop and/or evolve legal strategies that impact SAC

• Performing other duties as assigned

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Required:

• A law degree from an accredited institution and admitted to practice law in the Netherlands

• At least 8-10 years of experience practising law in a law firm, public interest sector, or non-profit environment with substantial legal experience in marketing or "green" claims, IP, and contracts.

• Experience with legal aspects of manufacturing supply chains, trademark, and/or professional services law is a plus.

• Expert level skill in both written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage varied programs of work with a high level of autonomy using multidisciplinary teams

• Excellent analytical, research, drafting, and negotiation skills

• Track record of demonstrating professional judgement and discretion in being of service to multiple teams and senior leadership in a diverse and international organization

• Exceptional initiative and proven ability to work efficiently and effectively in a collegial and fast-paced environment, both as part of a team as well as independently

• Excellent organizational and managerial skills required

• Being a flexible, proactive, and self-driven professional

• A commitment to SAC mission and values

• Fluency in English is required

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If you have the skills and experience above and you are interested in joining a leading non-profit on their exciting mission, please apply or contact Ricardo Pengel for more details on Ricardo.pengel@acre.com