General Counsel

Description

Supporting Children’s Rights Globally Through Law, Governance and Ethical Leadership

UNICEF UK is the UK Committee for the United Nations Children’s Fund, working in partnership with colleagues, supporters and communities to realise children’s rights and create a better world for every child. Grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals, the organisation combines advocacy, fundraising and programmes to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Operating within a highly dynamic and visible environment, UNICEF UK balances mission-led delivery with the complexities of regulated activity, commercial partnerships and income generation. As the organisation continues to evolve its strategy and delivery model, it remains committed to building an inclusive, values-driven workplace with strong governance and ethical foundations underpinning its work.

The Role

We are now seeking a General Counsel & Company Secretary to join the Strategic Leadership Group, leading legal, governance and regulatory strategy across the organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you will act as the principal legal adviser to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board of Trustees. You will shape and embed a strategic approach to legal risk, governance and compliance, ensuring these are enabling functions that support confident, high-quality decision-making.

You will lead a broad and integrated directorate spanning Legal, Governance, Data Protection, Income Generation Quality & Compliance, Environmental & Social and Procurement. Through this, you will ensure a cohesive, proportionate and forward-looking approach to risk, assurance and organisational integrity.

This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring the ability to balance opportunity and risk, support complex commercial arrangements and partnerships, and provide clarity on high-profile or sensitive issues. You will also play a critical role in supporting organisational readiness for transformation, regulatory scrutiny and crisis management as needed.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• Significant experience leading legal and governance functions within complex, regulated environments, operating as a strategic partner to boards and executive teams
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience advising on partnerships, income generation models and complex contractual arrangements
• A deep understanding of governance, compliance and risk frameworks, with the judgement to balance legal considerations alongside organisational priorities
• A track record of building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and values-led culture
• The ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically to senior stakeholders, enabling effective decision-making
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with experience engaging internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and partners
• A clear commitment to UNICEF UK’s mission and to advancing children’s rights globally

This is an opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role within a globally recognised organisation, where legal and governance expertise directly supports impact for children. You will join a collaborative and purpose-driven leadership team, contributing to long-term strategy while ensuring the organisation continues to operate with integrity, accountability and ambition.

For an informal and confidential conversation please contact:

• Jennie Wood: jennie.wood@gatenbysanderson.com
• Emily Nevins: emily.nevins@gatenbysanderson.com