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Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with flexible work-from-home arrangements)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday, 19th August 2025
The Fred Hollows Foundation, a global leader in eye health and development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Legal Counsel to join its international team. This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with flexibility for remote working. The role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in ending avoidable blindness and improving access to quality eye care for underserved communities.
About The Fred Hollows Foundation
Founded on the vision of the late Professor Fred Hollows, The Fred Hollows Foundation is dedicated to preventing blindness and restoring sight worldwide. Driven by the belief that everyone has the right to quality eye care, regardless of their circumstances or location, the Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people globally.
Operating in over 25 countries across Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific, and Australia, the Foundation is recognised internationally for its effective, sustainable, and community-centred approaches. As the organisation advances towards the goals outlined in its current five-year strategic plan, it remains steadfast in creating a world where no one is needlessly blind or vision impaired.
The Opportunity
The Senior Legal Counsel plays a crucial role in supporting the General Counsel across a wide range of legal and compliance matters in more than 20 countries. This role is central to ensuring that the legal aspects of The Foundation’s global operations align with its strategic objectives and core values. The successful candidate will provide proactive legal advice across multiple jurisdictions while supporting organisational growth and transformation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide timely and practical legal counsel on matters spanning contract law, corporate governance, intellectual property, international development, and government compliance.
- Support legal operations in over 20 jurisdictions, offering specialised advice in relation to not-for-profit regulations and reputational considerations.
- Advise on legal components of organisational change, such as entering or exiting jurisdictions, and staying abreast of relevant legislation.
- Assist the General Counsel in managing internal investigations related to safeguarding, financial crime, and whistleblower or disciplinary matters.
- Enhance contract management processes by simplifying templates, improving usability, and delivering training to staff.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders—including governance, accounting, and regulatory bodies—to provide strategic legal support on projects.
- Contribute to the development of new funding models by ensuring legal compliance and identifying risk mitigation strategies.
- Work closely with the Legal, Governance, Risk & Compliance team to deliver efficient and high-quality services across The Foundation.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will bring the following qualifications and expertise:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or equivalent, with an active practising licence.
- A minimum of six years’ post-qualification legal experience, ideally in an in-house counsel role at a top-tier law firm, international NGO, or complex multi-jurisdictional organisation.
- Demonstrated experience across various legal domains, including contracts, cross-border transactions, corporate governance, employment law, and organisational change.
- Exposure to legal work within jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Proven ability to navigate legal and regulatory frameworks in diverse international contexts.
- A proactive and adaptable mindset, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where ambiguity and change are common.
- A collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- A genuine passion for legal practice within a mission-led, social impact organisation
What The Foundation Offers
The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace. Through comprehensive internal programs and benefits, the organisation fosters a culture that enables staff to grow both professionally and personally. These include opportunities for continuous learning, flexible work arrangements, and wellness support designed to promote balance and well-being.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by clicking the “Apply” button. Applications should include a current CV and preferably a cover letter outlining interest in the position and addressing the key criteria from the “Key Responsibilities” and “Qualifications and Experience” sections.
Please Note:
- Applications close on Tuesday, 19th August 2025.
- The Fred Hollows Foundation may conduct background checks, including police clearances, in line with its safeguarding policies.
- No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
