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- Tasks: Lead the Legal and Compliance team, ensuring WaterAid meets all regulations and best practices.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a global charity dedicated to improving access to clean water and sanitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that champions equity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in commercial and contract law, preferably in the charity sector.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 71481 - 71481 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent, Full Time – 35 hours per week
Location: London, UK
UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: £71,481 per year with excellent benefits. We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.
About the team:
The Head of Legal & Compliance sits within the Finance, Technology, Strategic Planning, Legal & Compliance Directorate and reports directly to the Executive Director of Finance, Technology, Strategic Planning, Legal & Compliance. You will manage Data Protection Manager, Fundraising Compliance Manager, Legal Counsel, Governance Officer.
About the role:
As our WaterAid UK Head of Legal & Compliance, you will lead the Legal, Data Protection and Fundraising Compliance team in providing advice, support and challenge to ensure WaterAid complies with all applicable regulations and legislation and follows best practice. You will work closely with Trustees and Directors Team to drive sustainable change.
In this role, you will:
- Provide sound legal support and specialist advice to all levels of the organisation for contracts between WaterAid UK and third parties (including commercial contracts, contracts for services including consultancy contracts, fundraising contracts, donor/grant agreements and agreements with implementing partners, as well as media Intellectual Property and IT agreements).
- Prepare, negotiate and advise on commercial and legal matters relating to complex matters.
- Support the organisation to review contracts, to recognise and respond to risk, especially in relation to restricted income funding contracts.
- Lead and manage the main point of contact for all legal queries across WaterAid, referring to external advice only when necessary.
- Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Requirements:
- A qualified solicitor (English law) with significant post-qualification experience.
- A combination of commercial and contract law and practice experience.
- Legal experience gained in-house and private practice environment, including in international organisations; charity sector experience is preferred but not essential.
- Proactive approach to identifying legal risks and providing pragmatic and balanced solutions, manage expectations; maintain confidentiality at all times and display high ethical standards.
- Ability to build credibility quickly and communicate effectively across different cultures and business needs with good written communication skills, able to convey information clearly and accurately.
Benefits:
- 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
- Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
- Employer pension contribution up to 10%
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Season ticket loan
- Free annual eye tests
- ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
- Sabbaticals
- One paid volunteer day each year
Equal Opportunities:
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding:
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Head of Legal & Compliance in City of London employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal & Compliance in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and compliance field, especially those who might have insights into WaterAid. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of WaterAid’s mission and values. Show us you’re not just a legal whiz but also passionate about making a difference in the world!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around compliance and risk management. We want to see how you think on your feet and handle complex legal scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at WaterAid.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal & Compliance in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in legal and compliance roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of communication across different levels, it’s crucial to demonstrate your written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Your Proactive Approach: We love candidates who can identify risks and provide solutions. In your application, share examples of how you've proactively managed legal challenges in the past. This will show us that you’re not just reactive but also forward-thinking!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial and contract law, especially as it relates to the charity sector. Be ready to discuss specific legal challenges you've faced and how you navigated them, as this will show your expertise and proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Legal & Compliance, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to build credibility and communicate effectively across different cultures.
✨Understand WaterAid's Mission
Familiarise yourself with WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and safeguarding. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission while ensuring compliance with regulations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential legal risks WaterAid might face and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your ability to provide pragmatic solutions and manage expectations.