Wildlife Conservation Society Assistant General Counsel Jobs in Rwanda
Wildlife Conservation Society Assistant General Counsel Jobs in Rwanda ; The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organisation established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, field presence in 56 nations, and experience helping establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities.
The Assistant General Counsel – Africa is responsible for providing a broad range of legal services to support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Africa Program. Based in Kigali, Rwanda, this role will work closely with WCS management and field teams across the region to ensure legal, regulatory, and donor compliance.
Job Type
Full Time
Responsibilities
Contracting & Legal Advisory
Review, draft, and negotiate agreements with governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations, and other funding sources.
Manage MOUs with government ministries and contracts with NGOs, companies, and individuals.
Provide proactive legal guidance to support strategic initiatives, partnerships, and new program activities.
Advise leadership on legal and compliance risks associated with new projects, grants, and policy engagements.
Compliance & Risk Management
Advise program teams on local law compliance (tax, labor, registration) in consultation with outside counsel.
Provide guidance on U.S. laws relevant to international operations (FCPA, OFAC sanctions, export control, anti-terrorism regulations).
Advise on U.S. tax-exempt organization rules (lobbying, co-ventures, charitable giving).
Ensure compliance with WCS’s Code of Conduct, internal policies, and donor requirements.
Identify and mitigate legal and operational risks across Africa.
Governance & Capacity Building
Support establishment and maintenance of compliant legal entities in African jurisdictions.
Develop and conduct legal and compliance trainings for WCS
country and regional teams.
Contribute to institutional policy development and internal governance initiatives.
Collaboration & Institutional Support
Manage relationships with external counsel in Africa.
Work closely with OGC colleagues, WCS management, and other departments on institutional policies and initiatives.
Perform other related duties to support WCS’s global legal and conservation mission in Africa.
Qualifications
Education & Professional Requirements
Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, with eligibility to practice law while based in Africa.
Minimum 4–6 years of relevant legal experience working in or advising at an international level, including cross-cultural experience.
Experience & Skills
Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex agreements across multiple jurisdictions.
Experience with complex commercial, corporate, or NGO regulatory matters.
Experience managing outside counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Excellent analytical skills and legal judgment, with ability to balance risk and operational realities.
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Ability to work independently, manage heavy workloads, and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to work effectively as part of a service-oriented, client-focused team.
Fluency in written and spoken English and French in a professional setting.
Strong digital literacy and administrative skills relevant to legal practice.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to travel to locations in Africa (and potentially the USA).
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; Wildlife Conservation Society Assistant General Counsel Jobs in Rwanda
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