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Interim General Counsel (8-10 Months) - Geneva

Geneva Interim View Job Description
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced General Counsel to lead the legal function of a globally recognized international organization during a leadership transition. The role combines executive-level legal leadership, stakeholder management, governance oversight and trusted advisory support to the CEO and senior leadership team.

Added 30/06/2026

  • Executive-level role in a globally respected organization.
  • Direct exposure to CEOs, Boards and international stakeholders.

About Our Client

Our client is a highly respected international organization headquartered in Switzerland, operating at the intersection of global public interest, international partnerships, development initiatives and complex funding structures. Working with governments, private-sector partners, philanthropic organizations and multilateral institutions across multiple regions, the organization manages large-scale programmes with a significant worldwide impact.

Job Description



Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Interim General Counsel will lead a team of legal professionals and act as a trusted adviser to executive management, the board, and key internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will ensure continuity of legal leadership while supporting the organization through a period of ongoing strategic and operational activity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Legal function, ensuring effective delivery of legal services across the organization.
  • Serve as a strategic adviser to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Board on legal, governance, regulatory and risk matters.
  • Build credibility and trust with senior stakeholders across a complex international environment.
  • Provide legal guidance on governance, institutional matters, partnerships, commercial agreements and strategic initiatives.
  • Support the organization in navigating sensitive stakeholder issues and managing competing interests.
  • Lead, mentor and motivate a highly capable legal team, fostering engagement and collaboration in a demanding environment.
  • Ensure effective management of legal risk, compliance and organizational governance.
  • Oversee external counsel relationships where required.
  • Support financing, fundraising, contractual and partnership activities as needed.
  • Contribute to organizational decision-making as a pragmatic business partner, balancing legal rigor with operational realities.
  • Drive continuity, stability and sound judgment during the transition period.

The Successful Applicant



Experience

  • Qualified lawyer with significant post-qualification experience (typically 20+ years).
  • Previous experience as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or equivalent senior legal executive.
  • Proven leadership experience managing legal teams within complex international organizations.
  • Strong track record advising CEOs, Executive Committees and Boards.
  • Experience operating in highly regulated and stakeholder-intensive environments.
  • Exposure to international organizations, multilateral institutions, NGOs, public-sector bodies, healthcare, life sciences, development finance or similarly complex environments would be highly advantageous.
  • Experience in governance, compliance, risk management and strategic transactions.
  • Familiarity with financing structures, capital markets or structured financing is considered a plus.



Leadership Profile

  • Calm, resilient and highly credible under pressure.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • Able to navigate sensitive political and organizational dynamics with discretion.
  • Collaborative leadership style with a strong focus on empowerment rather than micromanagement.
  • Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and commercially minded.
  • Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.
  • Able to create trust quickly with executives, board members and team members alike.

Languages

  • Fluent English is essential.
  • French is considered a strong advantage.
  • Additional languages are welcomed.

What's on Offer

  • Opportunity to join a globally respected organization with significant international visibility.
  • Executive-level role with direct exposure to senior leadership and governance bodies.
  • Meaningful work contributing to an organization with substantial global impact.
  • A highly stimulating and complex stakeholder environment.
  • Initial interim assignment of approximately 8-10 months, with potential for longer-term discussions depending on mutual interest and organizational needs.
Quote job ref
JN-062026-7051787

Job summary

Job Function
Legal
Specialisation
Not for Profit
Industry
Not For Profit
Location
Geneva
Contract Type
Interim
Job Reference
JN-062026-7051787

PageGroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity, both as an employer as well as a recruitment service provider. Each recruitment decision we make for people we hire and people we place into new roles is based solely on the candidates’ knowledge, experience and skills.