CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

Job Summary

Type: full-time
Location: Harare
Category: Legal
Closing Date: 2026-09-20

Key Responsibilities

Support the contract lifecycle by drafting, reviewing, revising, amending, and quality-controlling agreements entered into by CIMMYT with national and international public and private entities, using approved templates, institutional standards, and Legal Department guidance.
Conduct first-level legal review of agreements, amendments, memoranda of understanding, letters, institutional instruments, and other legal documents, identifying legal, contractual, compliance, intellectual property, governance, and operational risk issues for escalation.
Support negotiation processes with internal clients, partners, donors, service providers, host institutions, government counterparts, and other stakeholders, under the supervision of the Regional Legal Counsel or HQ Legal.
Prepare legal comments, negotiation mark-ups, risk notes, legal summaries, briefing notes, correspondence, memoranda, meeting minutes, and other legal documents required to support institutional decision-making.
Support contract management activities, including intake review, verification of supporting documentation, follow-up with internal clients, preparation of signature packages, Cover Sheet preparation, Adobe Sign processing, execution tracking, and proper use of the Contract Lifecycle Management system.
Ensure timely follow-up of assigned legal matters through the Legal Department’s ticketing systems, CLM tools, dashboards, trackers, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms.
Maintain legal matter files, contract records, version histories, regional agreement databases, host country instruments, legal correspondence, and institutional documentation, in line with confidentiality, document retention, and need-to-know protocols.
Conduct legal research and analysis on applicable laws, regulations, procedures, legal frameworks, corporate and contractual requirements, institutional obligations, and other legal issues relevant to CIMMYT’s operations.
Support the Regional Legal Counsel in coordinating external counsel, including preparing instruction packages, collecting documents, tracking deadlines, reviewing deliverables for completeness, and monitoring invoices and fee follow-up.
Support the monitoring of regional legal obligations, contract deadlines, renewals, registrations, filings, and other institutional compliance requirements.
Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of Legal Department processes, templates, guidelines, workflows, playbooks, dashboards, and service delivery standards.
Support the rollout and adoption of Legal Department tools and platforms, including the ticketing system, CLM, Adobe Sign, D365, dashboards, and other workflow automation tools.
Prepare agendas, attend meetings, take minutes, track action items, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate follow-up with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and HQ Legal.
Support the Legal Department in internal processes, reporting, audits, legal operations, internal controls, policy implementation, and institutional risk management.
Prepare presentations, consolidated reports, status charts, legal trackers, and analytical materials for the Legal -Department and internal stakeholders.
Represent the Legal Department and CIMMYT before different authorities and forums.
Perform other related tasks within the job level as may be requested by the immediate supervisor.

Requirements

A law degree from a reputable university
Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a legal support, paralegal, or contract administration role in a company, law firm, or international organization.
Full professional proficiency in English (minimum C1 CEFR; test administered).
Proficient computer skills (at a minimum Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat); familiarity with CLM systems (ICERTIS an advantage) and willingness to learn and master new tools. so better for a junior counsel
Strong legal drafting, analytical, research, and written communication skills, with the ability to identify risks, summarize legal issues clearly, and escalate matters appropriately.
Strong oral communication skills and ability to interact professionally with internal clients, counterparties, authorities, external counsel, and institutional stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Familiarity with CLM systems, ticketing tools, electronic signature platforms, D365, or contract automation software is highly desirable.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multidisciplinary, and international environment, coordinating with regional and HQ teams.
The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Teamwork, Customer Orientation, Creative Thinking, Achievement Orientation.

Salary

this position offer…

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: ihararejobs.com

REF Code: Z26322 | Job Code: Z26322

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Legal Counsel Officer role in Zimbabwe?

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a Zimbabwean university or equivalent recognized qualification is mandatory, followed by admission to the Zimbabwe Law Society as a legal practitioner. Candidates must hold a valid Practising Certificate issued by the Law Society of Zimbabwe, and experience in corporate, contract, or international development law is highly valued.

What does a typical day look like for a Legal Counsel Officer working with an international organisation like CIMMYT in Zimbabwe?

Day-to-day duties include reviewing and drafting contracts, advising on compliance with Zimbabwean laws (e.g., Labour Act, Companies Act, Data Protection Act), and supporting procurement and partnership agreements. You’ll also liaise with local authorities, manage litigation risks, and provide training to staff on legal and regulatory requirements relevant to agricultural research operations.

How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for Legal Counsel Officers in international organisations?

Respect for hierarchy, formal communication, and relationship-based stakeholder engagement are key — legal advice is often expected to balance technical rigour with cultural awareness, especially when interfacing with government agencies or rural communities. Punctuality, professional dress, and adherence to public sector–influenced administrative protocols (e.g., official correspondence formats, file management) are standard expectations.

What realistic career progression paths exist for Legal Counsel Officers in Zimbabwe’s international development sector?

With experience, officers may advance to Senior Legal Advisor, Head of Legal & Compliance, or transition into broader governance roles such as Company Secretary or Ethics & Integrity Officer within regional offices. Some pursue dual expertise in areas like agri-law or climate policy, enabling mobility across UN agencies, NGOs, or regional bodies like SADC or COMESA.

What benefits are commonly offered to locally recruited Legal Counsel Officers in Zimbabwe by international organisations?

Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical aid covering dependants through a local provider (e.g., NSSA-approved schemes or private insurers like NEL), and pension contributions aligned with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) framework. Some employers also offer study leave support for postgraduate legal qualifications and relocation assistance for rural fieldwork.

How should I apply for a Legal Counsel Officer role in Zimbabwe, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?

Applications are usually submitted via the employer’s online portal or email with a CV, cover letter, and certified copies of academic and professional certificates — including your ZLS Practising Certificate. Employers prioritise demonstrable experience in contract law, knowledge of Zimbabwe’s statutory framework, fluency in English, and evidence of sound judgment in high-stakes advisory contexts, especially where donor compliance or cross-border collaboration is involved.