Associate Manager ? Contracts

ICRISAT is looking for a dynamic professional for the role of Associate Manager – Contracts to oversee and manage the comprehensive spectrum of contractual engagements essential for advancing our mission for a prosperous, food-secure, and resilient dryland tropics. This pivotal role requires an individual with a robust understanding of national and international contract law and principles, superior negotiation skills, and the capability to manage complex legal and strategic relationships. The ideal candidate will ensure that all contracts and agreements support ICRISAT’s strategic goals, comply with international standards, and safeguard the organization’s interests.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia, Africa and beyond with a wide array of partners worldwide. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture.

ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in semi-arid areas. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics, with a agricultural systems approach. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. Please visit ? www.icrisat.org

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and Review Agreements and contracts: Develop and manage a wide array of contractual documents tailored to the organization’s needs, including Research Agreements, Technology management Agreements, MoUs, MoAs, Grant Agreements, Project agreements, Novation agreements, Consortium agreements, Hosting agreements, Host-country agreements, and various service, purchase, and operational contracts.

• Negotiate Agreement and Contractual Terms: Actively negotiate terms with a diverse range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, private sector partners, and funding agencies, to secure favorable terms that support the organization’s research goals and protect its interests.

• Ensure Legal and Ethical Compliance: Monitor the adherence to contractual terms across all engagements, ensuring compliance with international laws, treaties, ethical standards, and internal policies.

• Identify and Mitigate contractual Risks: Proactively identify potential contractual risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure they do not impede the organization’s objectives or reputation.

• Ensure thorough Due Diligence and Partner Assessment: Work in close collaboration with the Business Development Unit and research teams to ensure thorough due diligence in contractual arrangements. Regularly monitor and evaluate the performance and compliance capabilities of existing partners, to adapt or revise the contract terms as necessary in response to performance reviews and changing regulations.

• Engage in Capacity Building and Knowledge dissemination: Design and conduct training programs for staff to enhance their understanding of contractual obligations, negotiation skills, and compliance requirements.

• Ensure effective Reporting and Documentation: Create and manage a detailed Contract Register to systematically track all relevant contract details. Generate comprehensive reports, and identify any irregularities or breaches, thereby providing essential insights to the Global Legal Head for strategic oversight.

• Provide Legal Guidance and dispute resolution support: Offer expert legal advice to various departments on matters related to contracts to prevent legal disputes and ensure compliance with international and national laws. Assist the Global Legal Head in resolving legal disputes related to contracts, negotiating solutions, and managing any litigation processes.

• Data Management and Security: Ensure that all contractual documents and partner information are securely managed and compliant with international data protection regulations.
•  Any other related roles and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor or the institute.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B.) or equivalent from any accredited institute.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in contracts and related legal aspects.
• A comprehensive understanding of the principles of contract law, international contracts, intellectual property rights, and contractual dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated abilities and proficiency in working with multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in the English language, both in writing and speaking. Knowledge of any local/regional language may be an added advantage.
• Superior analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with modern contract management systems and data security protocols.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Intellectual Property management and project management.
• Knowledge about or experience with internationally recognized organizations.
• Experience or knowledge in legal compliance, government policies, and government contracts.
• Knowledge about direct and indirect taxation.

Skills and Technical Competence:

• High level of initiative and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in computer knowledge, contract management tools, and business tools such as MS Office etc.

General:

This position is on contract initially for a period of three years (36 months) renewable based on the performance of the incumbent and the institute’s continuing need for the position.

 How to apply:

Applicants should apply on or before 03 June 2024, with a letter of motivation, latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer.