We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in more than 30 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

The Institute is seeking to recruit a Legal Counsel for the Asia Pacific to provide day-to-day legal support and advice to colleagues in our Asia portfolio of projects.

The successful candidate will be a skilled lawyer who is equipped to work independently across a wide variety of legal areas. The candidate will be able to provide practical, risk-based, and well-informed legal advice, collaboratively working with leaders in the region and Internal Operations colleagues both in London and the region.

Key Responsibilities

· Provide timely, responsive, and practical approach to the delivery of legal advice to the Asia team

· Advise on and support legal aspects of the formation, structuring and operationalisation of the Institute’s foreign branches and subsidiaries

· Lead and manage ongoing corporate compliance responsibilities in the Asia region

· Work closely with our Managing Director, Asia Pacific, and other leaders in the region to help deliver and drive forward our drive

· Provide advice and support related to right to work permit, immigration, and visa matters

· Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts with donors, counterparties, and key partners

· Draft, develop and review Institute policies, particularly those related to legal and regulatory risk and help monitor compliance with said policies

· Support the design and delivery of key training to the Institute

· Support the Institute’s due diligence process, reviewing (or where necessary, conducting) counterparty due diligence, escalating any concerns discovered

· Build good internal and external relationships to support effective delivery

· Manage relevant external counsel and professional advisors

· Identify areas of cross department/project collaboration as well as areas of process where internal processes can be improved

· Provide legal guidance in government procurement tender processes, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations

· Assist the Legal and wider Internal Operations team with ad hoc tasks and projects that may be required from time-to-time

· Work with the Internal Operations function as a stakeholder in the excellent delivery of business support services to the Institute

Person Specification

· Qualified to practise law

· Worked as an individual contributor at a reputable law firm and/or in-house legal team, with experience across the Asia Pacific

· A person with strategic steer in making the internal legal processes at TBI smooth

· Be a thinker and able to do hands-on operational work such as drafting/reviewing of documents

· Experience with and sound understanding of commercial and corporate law

· Some experience with international law and international organisations beneficial

· Ability to recognise legal and regulatory risks and implement risk management strategies.

· Strong understanding of current legislation, regulations, and legal frameworks.

· Improve internal practices and procedures

Closing Date:

2024-02-09