General Counsel

General Counsel

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
UNICEF

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead legal and governance strategy to protect children's rights globally.
  • Company: Join UNICEF UK, a leader in child protection and advocacy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on strategic impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level experience in legal and governance roles required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation.

We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else.

We get things done.

And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as General Counsel & Company Secretary.

You will lead UNICEF UK’s legal, governance and regulatory strategy, ensuring the organisation operates with integrity, sound judgement and confidence.

Acting as the principal legal adviser to the Executive Team and Board, you will provide pragmatic, commercially-focused advice to support high-quality decision-making.

You will also lead a multi-disciplinary department, positioning legal, governance and risk functions as strategic enablers of organisational impact.

You will bring significant senior-level experience leading legal and governance functions within a complex organisation, with a track record of supporting executive and board-level decision-making.

You combine strong commercial acumen with sound judgement, able to balance legal risk with organisational priorities and provide clear, practical advice.

You are an influential and collaborative leader, skilled at building relationships and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.

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General Counsel employer: UNICEF

UNICEF UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children's lives globally. With a strong commitment to integrity and collaboration, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Joining our team as General Counsel means being part of a mission-driven organisation where your legal expertise will directly contribute to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children everywhere.

UNICEF

Contact Details:

UNICEF Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Counsel

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including UNICEF, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel

Legal Expertise
Governance Strategy
Regulatory Compliance
Commercial Acumen
Risk Management
Advisory Skills
Decision-Making Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at UNICEF, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in UNICEF and the specific role of General Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for UNICEF’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNICEF

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at UNICEF.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at UNICEF.