Organization: CARE International (CI) Secretariat Role: General Counsel / Chief Legal Officer Location: Geneva, Switzerland or London, UK (Preferred); Flexible for exceptional candidates Salary: Executive Package (Approx. $160,000 – $210,000 USD / CHF 150,000 – 190,000 + Benefits) Contract: Permanent / Indefinite Closing Date: Executive Search ongoing for 2026
The Law is our license to operate.
In a world fractured by conflict and strangled by sanctions, delivering humanitarian aid is a legal tightrope walk. CARE International is seeking a General Counsel to be the architect of our safety net.
As the General Counsel, you are not just the top lawyer for one of the world’s largest NGOs; you are a strategic partner to the Secretary-General and the Board. You will navigate a complex web of International Humanitarian Law, Counter-Terrorism Legislation, and Corporate Governance to ensure CARE can continue its mission: saving lives and defeating poverty.
If you are a seasoned legal executive who can balance strict compliance with the “imperative to act,” this is your opportunity to lead at the highest level.
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Role Overview
CARE International is a “Confederation” of independent Members (e.g., CARE USA, CARE Canada, CARE France). The General Counsel leads the legal function for the CI Secretariat and facilitates legal convergence across the entire network.
In 2026, your primary focus will be Risk Management in Conflict Zones. You will interpret how sanctions regimes (OFAC, EU, UN) apply to our work in places like Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine, ensuring our staff remain safe and our operations remain legal.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Governance & Board Advisory
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CI Supervisory Board and the Secretary-General.
- Oversee the constitutional documents of the Confederation, ensuring all Members adhere to the “Code of Conduct” and governance standards.
- Manage high-level disputes or internal investigations involving senior leadership or Member entities.
2. Global Sanctions & Counter-Terrorism Compliance
- Design and maintain the Global Compliance Framework to navigate the increasingly complex sanctions landscape (US, UK, EU).
- Provide “Go/No-Go” legal opinions on entering new operational contexts where legal risks are high.
- Liaise with government regulators to advocate for “Humanitarian Exemptions” in sanctions laws.
3. Risk Management & Insurance
- Oversee the global insurance portfolio, ensuring adequate coverage for kidnapping, ransom, and liability across 100+ countries.
- Lead the Crisis Management Team (CMT) from a legal perspective during major incidents (e.g., staff detention, fraud scandals).
4. Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
- Protect the “CARE” trademark globally, managing licensing agreements between the Secretariat and Members.
CARE International: General Counsel (Global Legal & Compliance Lead)
Qualifications
This is a role for a heavy hitter with the gravitas to command a room of CEOs.
Education & Bar Admission
- Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent Law Degree from a recognized jurisdiction (common law or civil law).
- Active Bar Admission (or equivalent license to practice) in a major jurisdiction (e.g., NY Bar, Law Society of England & Wales, Geneva Bar).
Professional Experience
- 15+ Years Experience: With at least 5 years at a General Counsel or Deputy GC level.
- Sector Experience: Experience in International Law, Humanitarian Aid, or a Multinational Corporation operating in high-risk markets is essential.
- Governance: Proven experience managing complex corporate structures (federations, joint ventures, or franchises).
Skills & Competencies
- Sanctions Expert: Deep knowledge of OFAC, OFSI, and EU sanctions regimes.
- Diplomat: Ability to build consensus among autonomous Member CEOs who may have competing legal interests.
- Languages: English is the working language. Fluency in French is highly desirable (due to Swiss HQ).
Why Apply for This Position
1. A Seat at the Table You are not a back-office support function. You are a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Your voice shapes the strategy of the entire organization.
2. Intellectual Challenge You will deal with novel legal questions every day: Can we sign a contract with a de facto authority that is on a terror list if it means feeding starving children? You will write the playbook for these ethical-legal dilemmas.
3. Geneva Based (Ideally) Located in the hub of international diplomacy, you will interact with the UN, the Red Cross, and other global legal bodies.
How to Apply
Confidential Executive Search: Due to the seniority of this role, applications are treated with the strict confidentiality.
- Direct Submission: Email your CV and a Statement of Interest directly to the Executive Search Committee at executive-recruitment@careinternational.org (placeholder email).
- Subject Line: “Confidential Application: General Counsel – [Your Name]”
- Timeline: Initial screening interviews will commence in February 2026.
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