Legal Counsel, Emergency Cash & U.S. Programs

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States, +2 more countries.

📋 Description

• Act as the main legal partner for Emergency Cash throughout the program's strategy, design, launch, and execution.

• Establish a replicable legal framework for emergency responses addressing country entry, regulatory assessments, government interactions, contracting, data usage, and local counsel.

• Create tools, templates, and decision-making frameworks to enhance response readiness.

• Direct legal operations during ongoing emergency responses and offer clear recommendations despite incomplete information.

• Collaborate with country teams, program-facing Counsel, and local advisors while maintaining legal oversight.

• Implement global standards for MNO data and remote enablement into individual responses.

• Draft and negotiate various agreements, including partnerships, technology, vendor, and data-sharing contracts.

• Gather insights from responses to improve the Emergency Cash legal model.

• Serve as the legal partner for U.S. programs through design, implementation, expansion, and operations.

• Provide advice on recipient eligibility, public benefits, tax implications, payment processes involving minors or caregivers, family law, privacy, data usage, and state-specific regulations.

• Structure and negotiate agreements with governments, research institutions, community organizations, payment providers, and other collaborators.

• Develop reusable guidance and coordinate state-specific or specialized counsel.

• Collaborate with Legal colleagues on organization-wide standards and initiatives.

• Partner with Africa Programs & Country Operations Counsel during relevant emergency responses.

• Delegate recurring contracting, research, coordination, and administrative tasks with support from Legal Operations.

• Assist with other priority legal matters as part of a compact global Legal team.

• Report directly to the Head of Legal.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be qualified as an attorney in at least one jurisdiction, with relevant post-qualification legal experience.

• Proven experience advising on intricate program, commercial, or regulatory issues in fast-paced or high-pressure settings.

• Strong skills in commercial contracting, including drafting and negotiating complex partnership, technology, vendor, or data-related agreements.

• Ability to rapidly comprehend unfamiliar legal and regulatory frameworks and provide guidance when precedent, time, or information is limited.

• Strong legal and business acumen, including the capability to identify significant risks, evaluate trade-offs, and suggest practical solutions.

• Capacity to convert complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for colleagues lacking legal backgrounds.

• Experience in coordinating external counsel, consultants, or other specialist advisors.

• Familiarity with data privacy and data protection laws.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and quickly reprioritize during active emergency responses.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; fluency in English is required.

• Strong alignment with GiveDirectly Values and demonstrated emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, project management skills, follow-through, and promotion of inclusivity.

• Preferred: experience in emergency response, humanitarian operations, or legal work in crisis contexts.

• Preferred: experience in supporting program or operations launches in new countries.

• Preferred: experience with U.S. public benefits, family law, charitable assistance, or government program matters.

• Preferred: experience working across multiple jurisdictions, especially in emerging markets.

• Preferred: experience supporting programs involving vulnerable populations or sensitive personal data.

• Preferred: experience in international development or other mission-driven organizations.

• Must have at least 3 hours of overlap with an East Africa timezone.

• Note: GiveDirectly cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas in the U.S. or U.K.

🏝️ Benefits

• 10% bonus based on target performance, with potential for additional upside.

• Annual benefits stipend of $21,393 for employees in the United States; £2,760 in the United Kingdom; $8,454 in Kenya.

• Supportive team environment.

• Comprehensive health benefits plan, with specifics varying by country.

• Flexible paid time off policy.

• Desk setup allowance provided.

• Learning and development allowance available.

• Referral reward of $3,000 for Senior Manager or above roles, payable upon successful referral hire.

• Approximately 3–4 trips per year and travel as necessary during active emergency responses.