General Counsel (CDP Foundation)

About the role

CDP Foundation is a mission-driven non-profit advancing Earth-positive decision-making through science-led environmental disclosure and research. It is separating from CDP, the commercial entity, and needs a General Counsel who will act as its senior legal adviser to the CEO, leadership team and Board of Trustees. The role is based in London and is hybrid.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal, regulatory and reputational advice to the Board, CEO and leadership team, and safeguard the Foundation's interests during and after the separation from CDP, including negotiating service arrangements and compliance with separation agreements.
• Lead charity and corporate governance, advise on directors' duties under charity law, set policies on charitable purpose, public benefit and conflicts of interest, and act as Company Secretary.
• Oversee governance and legal requirements across the Foundation's international entities, charities and operations (charity structures in Brazil, Japan, UK and USA; legal entities in Germany, Hong Kong and Singapore).
• Draft and review contracts, grants and employment agreements, and oversee grant-related legal, governance and risk.
• Build legal systems, templates, delegated authorities, contract management and matter tracking, and maintain the risk register.
• Advise on employment, litigation, data privacy, data licensing, information security, AI and intellectual property, including trademarks.
• Follow UK charity and US 501(c)(3) legal developments and advise stakeholders on them.

Required profile

• Qualified to practice law in England and Wales.
• At least 10 years' post-qualification experience in England and Wales.
• Significant experience in the charity sector and international experience overseeing legal entities.
• Experience advising senior management and working with Boards.
• Collaborative but authoritative style, sound judgement and integrity.

What we offer

• Salary band of £115k-£120k per year.
• 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays.