Job Description
Welcome to FSC!
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world's forests.
We are looking for an engaged Programme Manager Legal Operations who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC's mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.
You will lead the recently established Legal Operations Programme and thereby aim to increase the efficiency in our legal operations and the legal services offered to internal and external clients. In this regard you will leverage technology for operational optimization by participating in processes leading to the enhancement of existing legal tech tools, as well as the introduction of new ones (e.g., for contract management, trademark infringement management, intranet, learning platforms and other). Furthermore, your role includes project coordination and planning. As a result, you will need to closely cooperate with managers, officers and assistants in the team, but also with other entities and units in the FSC Group, as well as Network Partners. You will play a key role in developing the Legal Operations Programme further, including guiding and training team members.
Main Roles & Responsibilities
As Programme Manager Legal Operations, you will be responsible for the implementation and quality control of group-wide strategic operations with the involvement of the legal team and a focus on digitization, automation, process optimization and standardization. Together with your team you will coordinate and drive forward key strategic or legal projects in cooperation with colleagues from various units for joint success. The responsibilities and tasks will include in particular the following:
- Supporting legal operations and driving improvements for in-house counsels, legal officers and legal assistants.
- Undertaking quality control checks of external law and tax firms.
- Defining rules, standards and work processes with an overarching effect.
- Ensuring seamless integration and enhancement of solutions into internal workflows and business processes.
- Developing decision templates, presenting them and discussing the results.
- Managing projects, developing quality control mechanisms and managing relationships with stakeholders in relevant projects.
- Searching for and implementing new software solutions for our various activities, including trademark enforcement activities.
- Supporting the yearly budget planning and being responsible for cost control.
- Procurement planning for the Legal Department.
- Leading, guiding and building up the team in Legal Operations.
- University degree in law, e.g., LL.M., J.D. (for lawyers educated in Germany: First State Examination is required, Second State Examination is a plus but not necessary) or, alternatively, a university degree in economics, business or social studies.
- Additional certifications in fields, such as compliance, data protection, or corporate governance, are advantageous.
- Experience in the area of legal operations.
- Experience in building up and leading an internal team.
- Experience in dealing with authorities and law firms is desirable.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. Fluency in German is a big advantage. Spanish and/or French is/are a plus.
- Quick cognitive ability and excellent time management skills with the ability to perform well while handling simultaneously several functions.
- Service-oriented attitude while focusing on solving legal challenges with a strong sense of diligence and accuracy.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives.
- Proven ability to plan and organize work proactively.
- Experience in project management, financial management, and analytics.
- Proficiency in standard software packages, in particular MS Office package, Adobe Acrobat. Experience with DocuSign, Dynamics 365, MS SharePoint, MS Vision and MS Project is helpful.
- Experience with contract databases or general knowledge management platforms is an asset.
- Ability to work as a team player in a multi-cultural, inter-disciplinary and multi-lingual team.
- Strong motivation and dedication to support FSC's values and mission through excellent individual performance.
- Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the world's forests.
- Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in-person at least once a year.
- Benefit from cross-cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
- Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including relocation assistance if needed, and investment in training and development opportunities (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Learning Lunches and more) to advance your career.
- Explore the vibrant federal city of Bonn, home to Beethoven, Haribo, and the beautiful Rhein River promenade including many urban parks and close access to nature. As Germany's UN City and second capital, Bonn is an international city with a rich cultural heritage, recently celebrating its 2000th anniversary. Learn more about the city or take a virtual stroll.
- Embrace work-life balance: beyond Bonn's borders, unlock Europe's wonders with 30 working days of vacation at your disposal. Whether it's skiing in the Swiss Alps or basking in the sun on Mediterranean shores, your European adventures await.
The Fine Print
- Location: Bonn, Germany.
- Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week or part time – 20 -30 hours per week.
- Duration of Employment: 2 years with intent to extend.
- Starting Date: As soon as possible.
Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!
• Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English
• Please do not send any photos of yourself.
• The deadline for applications is 04 August 2024.
For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.
We will confirm receipt of your application. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at [email protected]
Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.
We are looking forward to your application!
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