Legal Manager

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale
• We actively promote leadership by initiative
• We celebrate talent and ambition
• You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow
• You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations
• Curiosity and irreverence, as well as responsibility, come together at CEEW
• You will get best-in-market remuneration
• We provide a safe space for all
• At CEEW, your life is your example for others

Designation offered
Legal Manager

Reporting to
Finance Head

Location
New Delhi

Job Duration
Full-time

Purpose

CEEW seeks to hire a Legal Manager dedicated to handling sensitive matters and routine tasks in this domain which outlines the specific requirements, scope, and relevant laws applicable to
us.

A professional who takes up ownership and demonstrates a sense of responsibility in managing the tasks and making decisions or helping management to make decisions on any specific legal matters.

If you are passionate about new challenges at work, and understanding of different Laws, we will want you to be part of CEEW!

Job Duties and Accountabilities:

Legal Advisory and Strategy:

• Provide timely, accurate, and strategic legal advice on all aspects of the organisation's operations.
• Anticipate and identify legal risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure all legal documents, including but not limited to, MoUs, NDA, grant agreements, service agreements, and employment agreements are drafted, reviewed or amended within a certain timeframe.
• Provide legal opinions on complex matters and assist in the interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the non-profit sector.

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure the organisation's compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to:
  • NGO-specific regulations: [e.g., Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), Societies Registration Act, Public Trusts Act in India, or equivalent laws].
  • Labour and employment laws: Advise on employee contracts, disciplinary procedures, sexual harassment policies (POSH), and other human resources-related legal issues.
  • Tax laws: Advise on income tax exemptions, GST, FEMA, FDI, Shop and establishment Act and other tax-related matters for a non-profit entity.
  • Data privacy and protection laws: Ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR, local data protection acts, etc., especially when handling sensitive information.
  • Others: Fire drill, IT, display requirements, etc.
• Manage corporate governance matters, including preparing and reviewing Board resolutions, minutes of meetings, and internal policies.
• Independently conduct legal due diligence on potential partners, projects, and new initiatives.
• Stay informed and knowledgeable about all new laws within the system.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and oversee all legal proceedings and disputes involving the organisation.
• Coordinate with and manage external legal counsel as needed, ensuring cost-effectiveness and favourable outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies for alternative dispute resolution to avoid costly litigation.

Policy and Document Management:

• Develop, update, and maintain a repository of all organisational policies, including those related to procurement, anti-corruption, and whistleblowing.
• Ensure that internal documents, handbooks, and manuals are legally sound and in line with current laws.
• Provide periodic training to staff as required in our policy (like for anti-corruption, Safeguarding, and Data protection).
• Leverage AI and automation to streamline repetitive legal review.

Selection Criteria

Qualification & Requirements:

• LLB, or Masters in Law with minimum 7-10+ years of experience within a law firm or corporate legal department, with primary emphasis on laws applying to non-profits.
• Experience in Grants Management will be considered as an advantage
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of laws, regulatory framework, and procedures about Corporate Law, Trust, and FCRA Regulations.
• High standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism
• Understanding of the Laws which apply to CEEW (Charitable Laws- FCRA, Income Tax, GST, CSR) (Labour Laws- PF, ESI, Shop & Establishment Act, Payment of Gratuity Act and Leave Encashment, Payment of Wages, Maternity of Benefits, Contract labour, POSH, Child Safety) Other- Data Protection, Anti Corruption and Money Laundering, IPC, Trademark, Copyrights, Conflict of interest, Other Policies

Key skills:

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Collaborate with different teams
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence to engage with Donor, Clients, government and other stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Strong Negotiation skills

Personality:

• Willingness to learn new skills.Striving for rigor and quality in work output.
• Ability to adapt to a new environment and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment.
• Ability to dig deeper into details, while also keeping a sense of the broader objectives and big picture.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and develop on the personal and professional front, at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment, and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by the industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application

CEEW is an equal opportunity employer, and the selection process does not discriminate based on age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to apply at the earliest possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.