Senior Counsel - Global Initiatives and Network Engagement

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is currently seeking a talented legal professional for the role of a Senior Counsel - Global Initiatives and Network Engagement. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this individual will provide strategic legal and compliance leadership across HFHI's global network. This role combines high-level legal counsel with oversight of governance, program initiatives, advocacy and capacity-building activities in the global context. The position advises on complex matters related to international operations, including cross-border agreements, insurance, risk/litigation mitigation, labor and employment issues, safeguarding, financial compliance, and organizational governance.

This individual will develop a cohesive legal strategy for HFHI's overseas operations, coordinating with local and regional counsel, building consistent and compliant organizational structures, and ensuring that Area Offices, Branches, National Organizations, and partners operate to advance HFHI's global strategy in alignment with its policies and standards.

This position is remotely based within the US, Philippines or Costa Rica.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Counsel & Global Business Support - 50%

- Provide legal advice to Area Offices, National Organizations, and headquarters functions on governance, contracts, compliance with policies, and risk/litigation avoidance.

- Develop and implement a cohesive legal strategy for HFHI's overseas operations, ensuring global consistency and compliance.

- Counsel senior leaders on employment, finance, IT, advocacy, regional safety, safeguarding, and international data privacy.

Global Human Resources & Labor Compliance - 20%

- Advise on personnel and employment matters across HFHI's global footprint, ensuring compliance with local labor laws.

- Support global mobility policies and country-compliant hiring methods.

- Serve as principal advisor on international anti-discrimination and harassment matters, reviewing investigations and agency decisions for legal sufficiency.

International Finance, Corporate Structure & Insurance - 15%

- Provide legal and risk guidance on international finance, accounting, and intercompany transfers.

- Manage corporate registrations, governance requirements, and wind-down or restructuring of entities as necessary.

- Support HFHI's international insurance program, advising on liability, property, crime, and claims resolution in partnership with brokers and Area Offices.

Policy Development, Templates & Legal Infrastructure - 15%

- Develop and implement internal regulations, policies, and procedures to align with new or amended laws and organizational priorities.

- Create and maintain standardized templates for contracts and other legal documents that impact branches and national organizations.

- Ensure consistent interpretation and application of HFHI's policies across branches and national organizations.

- Coordinate with local counsel to maintain compliant and efficient legal structures across jurisdictions.

Key Requirements:

- Juris Doctor (JD)

- At least 10 years of legal counsel experience with demonstrated expertise in Risk management and assessment, Regulatory compliance, Client advisory and support, Corporate governance, and Employee relations.

- Proven in-house legal experience within a corporate environment.

- Experience managing external counsel, including selection, performance oversight, and cost control.

- International law experience, with a strong understanding of cross-border legal issues and global regulatory frameworks.

- Track record of serving as a strategic advisor to senior business leadership, providing actionable legal and business insights.

- Ability to act as a thought partner and trusted counsel to diverse stakeholders across the organization.

- Global mindset with willingness and ability to support business operations across multiple time zones on a regular basis.

Active support of HFHI Values & Commitments:

- Humility - We are part of something bigger than ourselves.

- Courage - We do what's right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

- Accountability - We take personal responsibility for Habitat's mission.

Safeguarding:

HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity's code of conduct.

Preferred:

- Previous nonprofit legal experience.

- Bilingual with professional proficiency in multiple languages.