Legal and Compliance officer at Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Legal and Compliance Officer to join our NGO, Candlelight Foundation for Children with Special Needs. The ideal candidate must hold an LLB in Law and have a strong background in legal compliance, employment law, litigation, and working within the nonprofit sector. This role will focus on ensuring that the organization complies with all legal and regulatory frameworks, including employment laws, safeguarding vulnerable children, and providing legal counsel on compliance-related matters.

Job Description/Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Oversee legal and compliance matters related to the NGO’s operations, with a focus on children’s welfare and employment law.
• Handle litigation, employment disputes, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal laws.
• Ensure that the NGO’s policies and activities comply with employment laws, child protection regulations, and other relevant legal frameworks.
• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance policies to maintain adherence to legal standards, particularly in relation to safeguarding children with special needs.
• Provide legal guidance on staff employment contracts, volunteer agreements, and litigation processes involving the NGO.
• Conduct risk assessments and audits to identify potential legal and compliance issues, especially concerning the care and support of children with special needs.
• Advise on legal risks and best practices regarding employment, service delivery, and organizational management.
• Prepare and review legal documents, contracts, and agreements to ensure they align with the NGO’s mission and compliance needs.
• Represent the NGO in legal matters related to employment law, child welfare, and disputes with external entities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of legal and compliance activities, providing regular reports to the leadership team.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate legal risks, particularly those impacting the organization’s work with vulnerable children.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on employment law, compliance, and child protection regulations.

Requirements:

• A minimum of an LLB in Law.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in legal compliance, employment law, and litigation.
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal regulations related to employment, child protection, and nonprofit operations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legal and regulatory requirements effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex legal and compliance issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey legal concepts and compliance requirements to staff and leadership.
• Experience in negotiating and drafting legal documents and agreements, including employment and service contracts.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Commitment to upholding legal and regulatory compliance with professionalism and diligence, particularly in regard to safeguarding children.
• Experience in providing guidance and training to staff on legal and compliance matters, especially those concerning employment and child protection.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and legal counsel.