Legal Counsel

Save the Children; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global NGO is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide legal support and governance advice. The role involves managing serious incident reports and advising on legal matters related to procurement and compliance. Ideal for UK qualified lawyers with experience in charity or corporate law, proficient in Spanish, French, or Arabic. This position offers a hybrid work pattern and requires strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in relevant legal fields.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage across cultures and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely reporting of Serious Incidents.
• Advise on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters.
• Manage external legal relationships.

Skills

Post-qualification experience in private practice or in-house

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently and proactively

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Experience in employment, finance, or dispute resolution

Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Arabic

Education

UK qualified lawyer or barrister

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

The role holder will be part of SCI’s legal team, comprising fourteen lawyers and two paralegals, responsible for providing legal advice and support to SCI’s Global Teams and Country Offices.

We’re seeking a junior to mid-level lawyer to join our dynamic team, offering opportunities to engage in meaningful work within an organization committed to inspiring breakthroughs for children's well-being and rights.

The Legal Counsel will support the General Counsel and Company Secretary, as well as program delivery and legal compliance lawyers, including:

• Overseeing serious incident reports to the Charity Commission and SCI’s Trustees;
• Providing corporate governance support to the SCI/SCA boards;
• Advising on legal issues related to procurement, programming, awards, compliance, and finance across SCI’s operations.

In emergencies, the post-holder may need to work outside regular hours. This role is ideal for a lawyer looking to develop or expand expertise in the NGO sector, engaging in impactful work.

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Reports To: Legal Counsel

Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible options

Grade: P

Location: UK

Time Zone: GMT (must be available to work in this zone)

Salary: circa £[amount], per annum, based on location-specific scales

Right to Work: Must have unrestricted right to work in the UK

International Travel: No

Budget Responsibility: None

People Management: None

Principal Responsibilities:

• Ensuring timely reporting of Serious Incidents;
• Advising on legal, regulatory, and compliance matters;
• Managing external legal relationships and interpreting advice;
• Supporting legal governance for the boards and committees;
• Advising on legal issues in country operations and global projects.

Experience and Skills:

• Post-qualification experience in private practice or in-house, in areas like corporate, charity, dispute resolution, or regulation;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and proactively;
• Interpersonal skills to engage across cultures and levels;
• Calm, constructive, and positive under pressure;
• Team-oriented with a commitment to SCI’s mission;
• Experience in employment, finance, data protection, IP, or dispute resolution;
• Experience working across jurisdictions and with overseas counsel;
• Experience in the international development or charity sectors;
• Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Arabic (spoken and written).

Qualifications:

• UK qualified lawyer or barrister;
• PQE preferred, but strong candidates outside this range will be considered.

About Save the Children:

We are the world’s leading organization for children, employing approximately [number] staff. Our mission is to save children’s lives, fight for their rights, and help them fulfill their potential through impactful work globally.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are committed to equal opportunities for all applicants, supporting reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Application Process:

Please submit your CV and Cover Letter. The role profile is available via the job listing and will be removed after the closing date. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.

Our recruitment includes application review, competency interviews, and possibly assessments. Successful candidates will undergo background checks, and all employees must adhere to our policies on conduct, safeguarding, and protection.

Note: Save the Children does not charge any fees for recruitment.