N-26-46 Legal Specialist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Legal Specialist to support our Legal Team in Lima, Peru. The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advisory services and ensures effective management of legal and contractual risks by providing such advice and assistance to the Area leaders of research and operations in HQ and regions.

The Center:

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute to high-quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership. CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its science is carried out by 15 Research Centers in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

About the role:

The successful candidate will provide specialized legal advisory and contractual support to contribute to the Unit’s goals. The Legal Specialist will report to the Legal Senior Manager and will be based in Lima, Peru.

Key responsibilities:

•         Provide accurate and timely legal advice to managers and staff on contractual, institutional, and operational matters.

•         Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements (HCAs, Collaboration Agreements, MoUs, NDAs, and third-party agreements), identifying risks and proposing mitigation.

•         Support implementation of CIP policies and procedures, promoting legal, compliance, and risk management best practices.

•         Monitor legislative changes affecting CIP operations across LAC, Africa, and Asia.

•         Coordinate due diligence and validation of partners, contractors, and suppliers.

•         Design and deliver legal training to business units.

•         Own legal templates, clause libraries, and monitoring tools, recommending process improvements.

•         Coordinate and manage the signing process of legal documents and contracts, ensuring timely follow-up and filing in electronic and physical archives, directing support from the Legal Intern, if assigned.

•         Own legal intake, ticket registration, and workload tracking, producing periodic metrics and reports on legal workload and service delivery, with data-entry and tracking support from the Legal Intern, if assigned.

•         Supervise and guide the Legal Intern, if assigned.

•         Comply, in the performance of assigned tasks, with applicable national and international laws, regulations, and standards, including health and safety requirements.

Requirements

What are we looking for?

·       Law degree with professional title (Título de Abogado) and active bar membership (Colegiatura – CAL or regional equivalent).

·       At least 6 years of relevant professional experience in a similar legal position.

·       Proven experience drafting and negotiating contracts and agreements.

·       Specialization in contracts law (desired).

·       Experience in international organizations or NGOs is preferred.

·       Familiarity with Peruvian legal procedures and international agreements.

·       Knowledge of intellectual property law applicable to science and development (desired).

·       Advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.

·       Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.

·       Fluent in Spanish and advanced English (written and oral, C1 or higher) required.

·       Strong innovation, accountability, teamwork, and integrity; ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive legal information.

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity?

·       CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.

·       CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems in the developing world.

·       CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 15 CGIAR Research Centers in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

·       Be part of a vibrant legal community of practice composed of lawyers from CGIAR’s 15 International Centers.

·       Work in an international environment with operations across LAC, Africa and Asia.

What are we offering?

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
  
• One-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
  
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
  
  

How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of applications will begin on November 12, 2026, and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.