The Fred Hollows Foundation seeks a Legal Counsel to support its global operations across more than 25 countries. Reporting to the General Counsel, this permanent role provides timely, practical advice across commercial contracts, employment law, governance, intellectual property, compliance, and cross border initiatives. The position suits an agile lawyer who enjoys partnering with program, operations, and enabling functions to manage risk while enabling impact.
Legal Counsel at The Fred Hollows Foundation Quick summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Title |
Legal Counsel |
Employer |
The Fred Hollows Foundation |
Location |
NSW, VIC, NT, or QLD |
Employment |
Permanent, full time. Part time considered |
Reports to |
General Counsel |
Direct reports |
None |
Leadership band |
Leads Others |
Application deadline |
12 November 2025 |
Work scope |
25 plus countries, multi jurisdictional matters |
Official website |
About The Fred Hollows Foundation
The Foundation is a leading international development organisation focused on preventing avoidable blindness and improving eye health. With programs spanning Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, teams work with governments, health systems, and communities to deliver sustainable outcomes. The Legal Counsel sits within Enabling Services and partners closely with the Legal, Governance, Risk and Compliance function to protect the organisation while enabling scale and innovation.
Role purpose
The Legal Counsel provides high quality, business focused legal services that are aligned to The Foundation’s values and strategy. The role balances proactive risk management with solution oriented advice so that program delivery, fundraising, procurement, partnerships, and people processes remain compliant and efficient across multiple legal systems.
Key responsibilities
1. Legal advisory
- Review, draft, and negotiate commercial agreements including funding agreements, service contracts, MOUs, clinical and research collaborations, data processing terms, and licensing.
- Advise on corporate, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, sanctions and export controls, anti bribery and corruption, and advertising and fundraising laws as they relate to program countries and Australia.
- Support employment law matters across complex structures, coordinating local counsel where appropriate and aligning advice with global people policies.
- Provide guidance on entry into and exit from jurisdictions, legal entity structures, registrations, and local regulatory obligations.
2. Project and stakeholder collaboration
- Embed legal risk assessment into project design and change initiatives, including technology implementations, cross border partnerships, and third party due diligence.
- Coordinate with external legal, accounting, regulatory, and industry partners to secure pragmatic, cost effective solutions.
- Translate legal requirements into concise guidance, templates, playbooks, and training for non legal stakeholders.
3. Governance and compliance
- Contribute to governance frameworks, delegations, and company secretariat processes to support effective decision making.
- Maintain awareness of legal developments in priority jurisdictions and recommend updates to policies, registers, and controls.
- Support incident response and remediation related to contracts, data protection, safeguarding, and regulatory inquiries.
4. Ways of working
- Model The Foundation’s values in all interactions.
- Promote health, safety, and wellbeing in all work.
- Undertake additional tasks as requested by the General Counsel.
Candidate profile
Required experience
- 5 to 7 plus years post qualification experience in Australia or another common law jurisdiction.
- Strong background in cross border commercial work with practical exposure to multi party agreements and donor funded projects.
- Solid employment law experience supporting complex or federated structures.
- Proven ability to operate autonomously in a small, high performing legal team and manage competing priorities.
Skills and attributes
- Clear written and verbal communicator who can simplify complex issues and give crisp recommendations.
- Collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions focused with sound judgment under time pressure.
- Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and negotiating with external partners.
- Resilient and adaptable across time zones and cultures.
Desirable experience
- Hands on involvement in corporate governance, entity structuring, and change projects.
- Exposure to Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, or US matters.
- Background in international development or experience from a top tier law firm.
- Prior in house experience providing end to end legal support.
Qualifications
- Tertiary qualification in law.
- Current NSW practising certificate or equivalent in Australia.
Safeguarding, background checks, and eligibility
- This position may involve direct or indirect contact with children. Commitment to safeguarding is essential.
- Successful candidates will complete criminal record checks, verification of qualifications, and a working with children check.
- Eligibility to work in Australia is required. Occasional travel may arise on an ad hoc basis.
What success looks like
- Timely, commercially sound advice that enables program execution while managing risk.
- Improved contract cycle times and increased use of standard templates and playbooks.
- Clear, accessible guidance for teams operating across multiple legal regimes.
- Strong partnerships with internal leaders, external counsel, and regulatory stakeholders.
Work environment and flexibility
The role is based in Australia with flexibility to be located in NSW, VIC, NT, or QLD. Hybrid working can be accommodated depending on team needs. Part time arrangements will be considered for outstanding candidates who can meet role requirements within a reduced schedule.
How to apply
- Prepare a tailored resume and a one to two page cover letter outlining relevant experience across commercial, employment, and governance, plus examples of pragmatic solutions delivered in multi jurisdictional settings.
- Submit your application via The Foundation’s careers page before 12 November 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short task or present a brief legal risk approach for a hypothetical cross border project.
Frequently asked questions
Is part time possible?
Yes. The Foundation will consider part time for suitably qualified candidates who can meet core outcomes.
Do I need international experience?
It is highly valued. Cross border commercial work and coordination with local counsel are core parts of the role.
What are the main legal workstreams?
Contracts and procurement, employment law support, intellectual property, privacy and data protection, corporate governance, compliance, and support for jurisdictional entry and exit.
Will I manage a team?
No. This role has no direct reports and operates as a hands on business partner within Enabling Services.
Are external counsel relationships expected?
Yes. You will brief and manage external firms for specialized or local advice while maintaining consistency and value.
What checks are required?
Criminal record checks, verification of qualifications, and a working with children check are standard. Safeguarding commitments apply.
For More Information Click Here
