Salary (UK): £30,220 (FTE £50,366) plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).
The role:
Mary’s Meals International is recruiting for a talented Head of Legal & Governance (22.5 hours per week - 0.6 FTE) to join our global Governance & Risk function. As Head of Legal & Governance, you'll provide vital assurance to our Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees that there are appropriate legal & governance frameworks in place to support and protect the organisation.
Reporting to the Director of Governance & Risk, you will have responsibility for the Legal & Governance team, with accountability for corporate governance, policies and all aspects of regulatory risk and compliance across the areas where we have a presence. A skilled influencer and people leader, you will ensure our internal team has the right mix of skills and resources needed to deliver on a varied, global remit, balanced with appropriate use of paid external legal advice.
You will:
· Lead the provision of advice on all aspects of corporate governance for MMI and Programme Affiliates, including the set-up and registration of new and existing Mary’s Meals entities.
· Liaise with relevant MMI teams to assess and advise on appropriate litigation strategy.
· Advise and manage legal liability within MMI, including identifying and instructing local counsel.
· Provide legal services to international Programmes and National Affiliates, as required.
· Oversee management of our global trademark portfolio, constitutional advice, and due diligence processes.
· Ensure the Data Protection policy suite reflects current legal requirements, is appropriately reviewed, and staff are adequately trained on requirements.
· Work closely with the Director of Governance & Risk to ensure that potential data breaches are thoroughly investigated, escalated and internally/externally reported as necessary.
· Develop and maintain key strategic partnerships with external legal providers.
· Liaise with relevant MMI and Programme Affiliate teams in relation to the creation and update of key policies and oversee the collation and tracking of all organisational policies, highlighting any gaps.
· Oversee the negotiation, review and drafting of all food, supply and commercial contracts entered into by MMI and Programme Affiliates.
· Lead, develop, coach and inspire high-performing teams, promoting a culture of engagement and empowerment including identifying and implementing opportunities for delegation and development.
Required skills and experience:
· Extensive experience of working as an in-house lawyer at a senior level in an INGO or in another relevant international commercial context.
· Expertise in company/commercial law, contract law and corporate governance law.
· Proven leader and influencer, you will bring relevant experience of implementing policies, projects and change.
· Cultural sensitivity, great communication skills and experience of developing productive relationships and teams in a global organisation.
· Comfortable working at Board level when needed, including drafting reports in a style and format appropriate for presentation to sub-committees or the full Board.
About us:
We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work life balance. We also have an office near Glasgow city centre for those who live nearby and would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis.
Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 2.4 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.
We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.
Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out to jobs.mmi@marymsmeals.org for more information about salaries in other locations.
This is a fantastic role where your daily work has real impact. Please click Apply to send your CV and a short covering note, highlighting your suitability and motivations in considering this role.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 2nd February 2025.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible