Legal Counsel

ISTC Legal Counsel provides in-house advice on a range of legal matters within the scope of the operation of the Centre, from international affairs, governance, contracts, regulatory compliance and intellectual property to employment law and litigation. The Legal Counsel is acting under the general supervision of the ISTC Executive Director on complex matters, with the possibility of handling tasks independently for more simple matters.

Accountability & Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice in a multi-disciplinary operational team with a view to protecting ISTC’s interests and ensure compliance with ISTC’s internal policies.
• Drafts, reviews, comments on and negotiates legal documentation, including commercial contracts and agreements with a view to identifying and managing legal risks, adhering to ISTC standards and recommending solutions for consideration of the Executive Director.
• Develops and manages templates/standard documents, internal policies and procedures, adapts local or regional documents to ISTC requirements.
• Managing and protecting the Centre’s intellectual property rights and advise on arranging IPRs such as patents, and copyrights concerning agreements with ISTC beneficiaries and contractors.
• Advises on employment contracts, staff regulations, workplace policies, and labor law compliance in Kazakhstan, supports in addressing labor disputes, disciplinary actions, and staff-related legal matters.
• When required, coordinates and supervises outside legal firm for timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and excellence of service and work product.

This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs. The applicant may consider also the following overarching principles and duties:

• Compliance: ensuring that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations in its operations and business activities.
• Risk management: identifying and managing legal risks that the company may face, and implementing strategies to mitigate those risks.
• Staying in the loop: keeping up to date with changing legislation (particularly in relation to the interests of the organization)
• Teamwork: As part of the team, actively participates in developing policies and processes to meet ISTC’s objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A law and a post graduate law degree, or equivalent work experience gained in a country other than his or her home country.
• From five to seven years’ work experience as a lawyer with an international law firm or a multinational organization.
• Experience advising on commercial and technology matters, including contracts specific to outsourcing, knowledge of data privacy, intellectual property, information security and confidentiality issues in commercial and preferably in international contracts.
• Excellent command of written and spoken Russian and English enabling drafting and negotiation of legal documents, ability to independently draft and negotiate legal documents in English. Kazakh language knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to explain legal matters and provide guidance in resolving legal issues.
• Excellent legal analytical skills with the ability to integrate legal advice and
  business knowledge, while providing balanced advice regarding risks and benefits. ​​​​​​​

Place of work: Astana, Kazakhstan

To apply, please send your detailed CV (in English) and a cover letter, indicating your professional interest in the job before May 16, 2025.

References are preferable.