Interim General Counsel (8-10 Months) - Geneva

• Executive-level role in a globally respected organization. • Direct exposure to CEOs, Boards and international stakeholders. About Our Client ## Our client is a highly respected international organization headquartered in Switzerland, operating at the intersection of global public interest, international partnerships, development initiatives and complex funding structures. Working with governments, private-sector partners, philanthropic organizations and multilateral institutions across multiple regions, the organization manages large-scale programmes with a significant worldwide impact. Job Description ## Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Interim General Counsel will lead a team of legal professionals and act as a trusted adviser to executive management, the board, and key internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure continuity of legal leadership while supporting the organization through a period of ongoing strategic and operational activity. Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage the Legal function, ensuring effective delivery of legal services across the organization. • Serve as a strategic adviser to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board on legal, governance, regulatory and risk matters. • Build credibility and trust with senior stakeholders across a complex international environment. • Provide legal guidance on governance, institutional matters, partnerships, commercial agreements and strategic initiatives. • Support the organization in navigating sensitive stakeholder issues and managing competing interests. • Lead, mentor and motivate a highly capable legal team, fostering engagement and collaboration in a demanding environment. • Ensure effective management of legal risk, compliance and organizational governance. • Oversee external counsel relationships where required. • Support financing, fundraising, contractual and partnership activities as needed. • Contribute to organizational decision-making as a pragmatic business partner, balancing legal rigor with operational realities. • Drive continuity, stability and sound judgment during the transition period. The Successful Applicant ## Experience • Qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience (typically 20+ years). • Previous experience as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or equivalent senior legal executive. • Proven leadership experience managing legal teams within complex international organizations. • Strong track record advising CEOs, Executive Committees and Boards. • Experience operating in highly regulated and stakeholder-intensive environments. • Exposure to international organizations, multilateral institutions, NGOs, public-sector bodies, healthcare, life sciences, development finance or similarly complex environments would be highly advantageous. • Experience in governance, compliance, risk management and strategic transactions. • Familiarity with financing structures, capital markets or structured financing is considered a plus. Leadership Profile • Calm, resilient and highly credible under pressure. • Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills. • Able to navigate sensitive political and organizational dynamics with discretion. • Collaborative leadership style with a strong focus on empowerment rather than micromanagement. • Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and commercially minded. • Strong personal integrity and sound judgement. • Able to create trust quickly with executives, board members and team members alike. Languages • Fluent English is essential. • French is considered a strong advantage. • Additional languages are welcomed. What's on Offer ## • Opportunity to join a globally respected organization with significant international visibility. • Executive-level role with direct exposure to senior leadership and governance bodies. • Meaningful work contributing to an organization with substantial global impact. • A highly stimulating and complex stakeholder environment. • Initial interim assignment of approximately 8-10 months, with potential for longer-term discussions depending on mutual interest and organizational needs. Quote job ref JN-062026-7051787 Job Function Legal Specialisation Not for Profit Industry Not For Profit Location Geneva Contract Type Interim Job Reference JN-062026-7051787