Assistant Legal Adviser

Current Status: Closed. Another successful assignment for Oakleigh Resourcing

Role: Assistant Legal Adviser (Full time Fixed Term Contract to 31 March 2014)

Client: The British Council

Department: Corporate Affairs

Reporting to: Head of Legal

Location: British Council Offices, Spring Gardens, London SW1A

Remuneration: Atractive salary and benefits package

Purpose of job: To provide effective legal support for the British Council as part of the Legal Team, in particular providing additional legal support fo rthe British Council's Status & Tax Office.

Context and environment: The British Council has approximately 7,000 employees working in 110 countires and delivering programmes in Arts, Education & Society and English.  Its funding comes from a variety of sources, including UK government, clients and customers for English Language teachiing and educational consultancy, charitable foundations and corporate sponsors.  It is registered as a charity in England and Wales and in Scotland, and is a non-departmental public body.  The Legal Team works across the British Council's operations globally, giving advice on a wide range of legal issues ans working closely with external legal advisers where appropriate.  The Legal Team is located in the British Council's principal office in London and consists of Head of Legal and two Senior Legal Advisers.

Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties:

There are no people management or finance responsibilities.

The main duty will be supporting the Head of Legal and the Senior Legal Adviser in delivering legal advice to and supporting legal risk management within the organisation.  The role calls for excellent analysis and problem solving skills, as well as an ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary global team.

A key aspect will be supporting key projects to regularise the legal status of the British Council overseas as part of the team working on the Status & Tax programme.  This programme has been established to ensure compliance with legal and tax requirements globally.  These projects may involve establishing a branch of the parent organisation or a new subsidiary entity, and any associated business transfer and financing arrangements.

Key relationships:

  • Head of Corporate Affairs
  • Status & Tax Programme Manager
  • International Tax Manager
  • Financial Control and Compliance colleagues
  • Project Management colleagues overseas
  • External legal advisers overseas

Other important features or requirements of the job:

  • The role will be based in the London office.  There may be a requirement to travel on an infrequent basis, either in the UK or overseas.
  • The role involves working with candidates globally so some flexibility will be required to accommodate different time zones.
  • The right to work in the UK.

Prospective Candiate Profile:

Qualifications:

  • A recognised English Legal qualificatioin - Barrister, Solicitor, ILEX
  • Current practisiing certificate (if required)
  • Degree

Skills and knowledge:

(Essential)

  • Corporate law
  • Corporate governance
  • Commercial Law
  • Project management
  • IT skills

(Desirable)

  • Intellectual property law
  • Employment law
  • Corporate finance
  • Charity law

Experience:

(Essential)

  • Corporate transactions and/or reorganisations

(Desirable)

  • International cross-border transactions
  • Charity or NGO
  • In-house legal
  • Company secretarial
  • Private practice

Behaviours (the Behaviours Dictionary can be viewed onthe British Council website)

  • being accountable (most demanding)
  • making it happen (most demanding)
  • working together (most demanding)
  • creating shared purpose (essential)
  • shaping the future (essential)
  • connecting with others (more demanding)

The Assessment Process

The assessment process provides both parties with the opportunity to assess the cultural and team fit, individual and organisational aspirations, and details of the key objectives and priorities for the role.  Elaine Rippon is the retained consultant for this assignment.

To apply for this position please email your CV with current remuneration to Alison Harkness at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Elaine Rippon on 01477 534491 to discuss further.  Closing date: 14th April 2013.