The Senior Counsel will report directly to ICANN’s Deputy General Counsel and Chief Data Protection Officer, providing legal support for ICANN organization’s internal teams including Communications, Contractual Compliance, Engineering & IT, Global Domains & Strategy, Office of the CTO, and Policy Development Support.
The Senior Counsel will be a key member assisting in the managing of legal issues and legal strategy, including ICANN organization’s internal data protection and intellectual property programs, oversight of outside counsel, and preparing relevant legal reports to the Board of Directors or other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities & Duties:
Key team member providing support for internal activities related to the maintenance of, and adherence to ICANN’s policies and procedures.
Ensure Organization compliance with national and local laws and regulations.
Responsible for the interpretation of regulations and the observance of legal procedures, including opportunities or required changes in relation to new legal and regulatory developments.
Key team member providing support for successful contract interpretation guidance on behalf of the Organization to assist with the work of the Contractual Compliance & Consumer Safeguard department while protecting the Organization’s legal rights, obligations and privileges.
Provide legal support in litigation matters for gTLD related issues.
Provide legal support to the Organization’s Complaints Office to help facilitate community-recommended improvements to the Organization.
Key team member to serve as legal resource in support of various initiatives and projects supporting continuous improvement of the Organization.
Provide legal oversight and guidance on the introduction of new technology tools. Advise on legal matters related to the Organization’s meeting operations and travel services. Prepare relevant legal reports to the Board of Directors or other stakeholders.
Reviewing and making recommendations to the General Counsel, and senior management about ICANN’s policies, agreements, and activities. Provide advice that is informed by risk assessment to internal Functions as directed by Deputy General Counsel. Support various general corporate legal matters, supporting the Legal Department’s overall legal compliance requirements and providing legal guidance for new and ongoing organizational initiatives.
Contribute to the increasing effectiveness of the Legal Department and the success of ICANN by evaluating and improving interfaces between departments. Supporting ICANN’s mission of ensuring the availability, interoperability and security of the Internet.
Other duties as assigned or requested.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of ICANN’s Multistakeholder Model, the domain name system, and the top-level domain name industry is a plus.
Ability to manage shifting priorities and navigate unresolved areas of law.
Sound business/legal judgment with ability to balance business objectives and risk, and solve legal problems in a high output, fast moving environment.
Exceptional writing, contract drafting, and oral communication skills.
High-quality work product with fast turnaround times.
Ability to work in cross-functional teams and experience with project management environments is beneficial.
Proven ability to prepare detailed reports, presentations and speeches to internal and external audiences.
Strong business acumen with an acute understanding of the balance between risk and reward.
Ability to read and write in a two or more languages at a level sufficient to conduct job-related business transactions preferred.
Ability to work independently.
Curiosity and passion for the development of the Internet and domain name system.
Global perspective.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Juris Doctorate Degree (or equivalent) required.
Minimum ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience.
Current license to practice law required.
Member in good standing with the appropriate bar or other legal authority sufficient to practice law as in-house counsel.
Language
Fluency, both written and spoken, in English is required.
Fluent written and spoken language skills in any of the other official United Nations languages is preferred.