Legal Counsel

Who We AreInternational Justice Mission (IJM) is a global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.The NeedFor over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal support across organizational, employment, and regulatory matters while also contributing to internal governance, systems, and cross-functional collaboration.The Bangladesh Legal Counsel will play a dual role; first by providing direct legal services to IJM in Bangladesh, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation as IJM begins operations in Bangladesh; and second by establishing processes and frameworks aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal function in Bangladesh. The Legal Counsel is expected to consistently provide solutions that are legally sound yet pragmatic. The Legal Counsel will interface with their customers i.e. staff in Bangladesh and will work closely with leaders serving Bangladesh particularly the Regional VP, Risk; Regional VP, Business Solutions; and Regional Sr. VP, Bangladesh Hub. The Legal Counsel will also liaise with Regional Counsel/in-country attorneys across regions and the Legal Governance Risk & Compliance team based at IJM Global.The role is based in Dhaka, but will provide support nationally, including travelling to each of IJM’s future program locations (Khulna, Barisal and Mymensingh).ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation:Provide periodic analysis of the changing legal landscape, particularly in areas such as employment laws, data privacy laws and related regulations, and the impact on operations in-country. Based on this analysis, provide the leadership team with strategic recommendations, outlining a range of actionable options along with timeline and urgency of these options based on legal compliance deadlines. Collaborate with relevant teams to conduct cost and feasibility assessments for each option to support informed and effective decision-making. Provide timely and practical legal guidance during cross-functional projects and strategic decisions. Provide timely high-quality legal advice, strategic guidance and solutions to customers. Networking & PartnershipDevelop and manage a roster of external counsel across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas, ensuring availability of specialist legal services on short notice. Identify and secure pro bono legal services. Maintain active participation in professional legal associations and ensure departmental access to relevant memberships and legal networks. Organize events and forums to strengthen relationships with the legal community. Policies And ProceduresManage the maintenance of legal registration in-country and provide regular advice to program teams on the same. Periodically update internal documentation related to risks and due diligence. Support country wide implementation of Global Policies and Standards of the organization including creation of locally required addendums, periodic reviews, tracking compliance, and support staff orientation and ongoing training on the same. Documentation, Reporting & Data ManagementMaintain litigation trackers and prepare updates for leadership. Produce comprehensive legal memos, white papers, position papers, reports. Set up and refine internal systems, workflows, and SOPs including an internal knowledge repository for legal memos, research papers, case precedents and other similar legal documents. Training And DevelopmentConduct legal training sessions, Q&A forums, awareness workshops and induction sessions for new employees as required, both on internal policies/guidelines and applicable laws and regulations. Ensure that business teams are aligned with legal and compliance standards through regular updates and Q&A forums. Research, Program Management And M&EConduct in-depth legal research on relevant laws and regulations. Work closely with program and business teams to identify and mitigate legal risks, ensuring business continuity and compliance. AdministrationAutomate and digitize legal operations where feasible to improve efficiency and transparency. Coordinate with admin, finance, and HR teams to streamline operations. Track vendor payments, help establish internal communication protocols, onboarding guides, and knowledge-sharing practices. QualificationsEducation & Experience:LLB (Bachelor of Laws) degree from a recognized university; additional certifications in contract law, employment law, tax law, or compliance are preferred. Bar License to practice law preferred;Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in in-house legal counsel/compliance roles and/or as an associate in a corporate law firm with significant exposure to employment law, risk mitigation, compliance, IP, contracts, non-profit and regulatory compliance in Bangladesh. Technical CompetenciesStrong legal drafting and negotiation skills especially contract drafting and review skills. Knowledge of corporate, contract, intellectual property, data protection, non-profit/NGO and employment laws. Experience with contract management systems and legal tech tools preferred. Maintains a well-developed network within the legal profession, cultivated over at least three years, with a proven ability to engage external counsel, industry bodies, and peer legal professionals to support business needs. High attention to detail with an ability to manage complex legal and compliance documents. Has a self-starter mentality and operates independently with minimal oversight in unstructured and dynamic settings;Demonstrated problem-solving, innovation and analytical skills. Critical QualitiesProven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, cross-functional and international teams in a complex, matrixed environment. Maintains clarity, focus, and professionalism under pressure, including in high-stakes situations involving demanding stakeholders, shifting priorities, or limited information. Skilled in managing challenging internal and external relationships with diplomacy and credibility, including under tight deadlines or adverse circumstances. Exceptional written and verbal communication, in English and Bengali. Application ProcessUpload Resume & Cover Letter in one PDF document and send the application to bangladeshrecruitment@ijm.orgIJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate's value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.