We are excited to be searching for a proactive and pragmatic Legal Counsel with an interest in supply chain sustainability to join our team, and we hope it’s you!
The role
As Legal Counsel you draft, organise and negotiate various types of agreements, providing expert legal advice and support, proactively identify and mitigate legal risks and liabilities, in order for IDH to adhere to applicable laws and regulations, protect its reputation, and achieve its strategic objectives in a compliant and ethically responsible manner.
This position is based at our HQ in Utrecht, the Netherlands or in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide legal advice on the procurement of services, multi-stakeholder convening activities, intellectual property protection, the commercial contracts and other relevant areas of law.
• Act as first line of legal support, escalating to specialist counsel where needed.
• Draft, review and negotiate a range of agreements and contracts.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable law and organisational policies.
• Identify legal issues and propose solutions that balance business interests with risk control.
• Work with relevant teams to manage risks tied to contracts and funding.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal policies, processes, and templates.
• Keep legal knowledge current and apply it to strengthen organisational practice.
• Partner and align with internal stakeholders to provide legal input on business decisions and strategy.
• Deliver training on legal topics relevant to IDH's operations.
Who you are
Legal Counsel at IDH means managing varied donor requirements with diligence, identifying risk early, balancing business interest with control, and applying European and internal tender rules with precision. You navigate the tension of IDH convening competing organisations, adapt to different jurisdictions and cultural contexts across a global organisation, and address fraud and corruption risk with clear judgement.
You realise performance through curiosity, persuasion and in depth questioning that gets to the heart of an issue. Your expertise and efficiency show in how you plan, prioritise, organise and can be flexible. You connect with people by listening attentively and coaching where needed, and you work through complexity by asking the right clarifying questions and explaining clearly and concise. You show autonomy, initiating progress rather than waiting to be asked.
This combination of legal rigour, sound judgement, a flexible business oriented mindset and proactive initiative supports IDH in appropriate risk management and building trust across a complex, global partner landscape.
What you bring
• A Master’s degree in Law.
• At least 1 to 3 years of relevant experience as an in-house legal professional or attorney.
• Have strong commercial awareness, understanding international dynamics and a good understanding of business principles and risk management in a consultancy set-up.
• Strong communication skills, fluent in English (Knowledge of the Dutch language is appreciated but not required).
• Demonstrable knowledge or prior experience in European and national and international law matters.
A plus:
• Experience with, or affinity for, technology and data-related legal work (data sharing/licensing, SaaS, IP in data, EU AI Act).
• Working knowledge of privacy law and GDPR (e.g. CIPP/E or equivalent).
What we offer:
A challenging, pivotal role within an impacting, international organisation – and:
• A salary range between EUR 4,143 – 5,179 (excluding 8% holiday allowance) per month (based on a 40-hour work week), job level 16. The job level is evaluated based on IDH’s methodology; the successful candidate will be placed within the range depending on relevant work experience. The selection process is conducted, applying STAR interview methodology.
• A full-time (40 hours) 1 year contract initially, with the intention to extend (as this is a permanent position).
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
• Enjoy 26 paid vacation days annually (based on 100% FTE). Plus, earn 2 extra vacation days if you use your full allowance within the calendar year. Need flexibility? You can buy or sell up to 6 vacation days each year.
• IDH contributes €74.40 net per month towards your health insurance premium, helping you maintain optimal health coverage.
• A comprehensive pension scheme with considerable contribution by the employer and 3.5% contribution by the employee, ensuring financial stability during your retirement.
• Provide NS Business Card or full reimbursement of commuting costs. Choose between receiving €0.23 per kilometre or opting for second-class public transport, making your journey to work hassle-free.
• IDH provides role-specific work supplies (e.g., laptop, phone) alongside flexible working hours and a hybrid work model to suit your needs.
• Receive a monthly work-from-home allowance of €18.59 net, acknowledging the changing work landscape and supporting your remote work setup with a Work-from-Home equipment contribution.
• Prioritise your physical well-being with a sports club/health club allowance of €43.40 gross per month, enabling you to invest in your fitness and overall health.
• Cyclis Bike Lease: Lease any bike—electric, sport, or even a bakfiets—for commuting or family use
• Six weeks of remote work annually, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Lunch Allowance €88.58 gross, 100% FTE
• Enjoy a range of perks at the Utrecht office, including fresh fruits, organic coffee and tea, promoting a nourishing and supporting work atmosphere and Wellness initiatives giving you access tools to manage stress and prevent burnout
Please note that the compensation and benefits package outlined above applies to IDH roles based in the Netherlands. If the position is opened in another location where IDH operates, the package will be adjusted accordingly, aligning the same job level.
Interested?
We encourage applications before 24/07/2026 If the right candidate is found earlier, the vacancy may close sooner. Apply in English via the link below — please do not submit applications by email or LinkedIn, in order to comply with GDPR requirements.
https://stichtingidh.careers.hibob.com/jobs/a6a7a6dd-5110-4699-addf-b42aba6bc5e1
The successful candidate will be required to provide a Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) as part of IDH's onboarding process (not applicable for internal candidates).
For more questions about the role and organisation, please contact Conrad Willars at willars@idhtrade.org
Who we are.
IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.
IDH’s international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 300 staff including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains.
In 18 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.
For more information, go to www.idh.org or follow on LinkedIn.
Our commitment to safeguarding
The offer of this role will be subject to satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks, and background checks overseas where appropriate. IDH participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from previous employers regarding any findings of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.
At IDH, we are committed to equal employment opportunity and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We strive every day to build a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Research shows that women and underrepresented candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of listed criteria. If you meet many — but not all — of the qualifications and feel energised by this role, we strongly encourage you to apply.
The role
As Legal Counsel you draft, organise and negotiate various types of agreements, providing expert legal advice and support, proactively identify and mitigate legal risks and liabilities, in order for IDH to adhere to applicable laws and regulations, protect its reputation, and achieve its strategic objectives in a compliant and ethically responsible manner.
This position is based at our HQ in Utrecht, the Netherlands or in Nairobi, Kenya.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide legal advice on the procurement of services, multi-stakeholder convening activities, intellectual property protection, the commercial contracts and other relevant areas of law.
• Act as first line of legal support, escalating to specialist counsel where needed.
• Draft, review and negotiate a range of agreements and contracts.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable law and organisational policies.
• Identify legal issues and propose solutions that balance business interests with risk control.
• Work with relevant teams to manage risks tied to contracts and funding.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of legal policies, processes, and templates.
• Keep legal knowledge current and apply it to strengthen organisational practice.
• Partner and align with internal stakeholders to provide legal input on business decisions and strategy.
• Deliver training on legal topics relevant to IDH's operations.
Who you are
Legal Counsel at IDH means managing varied donor requirements with diligence, identifying risk early, balancing business interest with control, and applying European and internal tender rules with precision. You navigate the tension of IDH convening competing organisations, adapt to different jurisdictions and cultural contexts across a global organisation, and address fraud and corruption risk with clear judgement.
You realise performance through curiosity, persuasion and in depth questioning that gets to the heart of an issue. Your expertise and efficiency show in how you plan, prioritise, organise and can be flexible. You connect with people by listening attentively and coaching where needed, and you work through complexity by asking the right clarifying questions and explaining clearly and concise. You show autonomy, initiating progress rather than waiting to be asked.
This combination of legal rigour, sound judgement, a flexible business oriented mindset and proactive initiative supports IDH in appropriate risk management and building trust across a complex, global partner landscape.
What you bring
• A Master’s degree in Law.
• At least 1 to 3 years of relevant experience as an in-house legal professional or attorney.
• Have strong commercial awareness, understanding international dynamics and a good understanding of business principles and risk management in a consultancy set-up.
• Strong communication skills, fluent in English (Knowledge of the Dutch language is appreciated but not required).
• Demonstrable knowledge or prior experience in European and national and international law matters.
A plus:
• Experience with, or affinity for, technology and data-related legal work (data sharing/licensing, SaaS, IP in data, EU AI Act).
• Working knowledge of privacy law and GDPR (e.g. CIPP/E or equivalent).
What we offer:
A challenging, pivotal role within an impacting, international organisation – and:
• A salary range between EUR 4,143 – 5,179 (excluding 8% holiday allowance) per month (based on a 40-hour work week), job level 16. The job level is evaluated based on IDH’s methodology; the successful candidate will be placed within the range depending on relevant work experience. The selection process is conducted, applying STAR interview methodology.
• A full-time (40 hours) 1 year contract initially, with the intention to extend (as this is a permanent position).
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
• Enjoy 26 paid vacation days annually (based on 100% FTE). Plus, earn 2 extra vacation days if you use your full allowance within the calendar year. Need flexibility? You can buy or sell up to 6 vacation days each year.
• IDH contributes €74.40 net per month towards your health insurance premium, helping you maintain optimal health coverage.
• A comprehensive pension scheme with considerable contribution by the employer and 3.5% contribution by the employee, ensuring financial stability during your retirement.
• Provide NS Business Card or full reimbursement of commuting costs. Choose between receiving €0.23 per kilometre or opting for second-class public transport, making your journey to work hassle-free.
• IDH provides role-specific work supplies (e.g., laptop, phone) alongside flexible working hours and a hybrid work model to suit your needs.
• Receive a monthly work-from-home allowance of €18.59 net, acknowledging the changing work landscape and supporting your remote work setup with a Work-from-Home equipment contribution.
• Prioritise your physical well-being with a sports club/health club allowance of €43.40 gross per month, enabling you to invest in your fitness and overall health.
• Cyclis Bike Lease: Lease any bike—electric, sport, or even a bakfiets—for commuting or family use
• Six weeks of remote work annually, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Lunch Allowance €88.58 gross, 100% FTE
• Enjoy a range of perks at the Utrecht office, including fresh fruits, organic coffee and tea, promoting a nourishing and supporting work atmosphere and Wellness initiatives giving you access tools to manage stress and prevent burnout
Please note that the compensation and benefits package outlined above applies to IDH roles based in the Netherlands. If the position is opened in another location where IDH operates, the package will be adjusted accordingly, aligning the same job level.
Interested?
We encourage applications before 24/07/2026 If the right candidate is found earlier, the vacancy may close sooner. Apply in English via the link below — please do not submit applications by email or LinkedIn, in order to comply with GDPR requirements.
https://stichtingidh.careers.hibob.com/jobs/a6a7a6dd-5110-4699-addf-b42aba6bc5e1
The successful candidate will be required to provide a Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) as part of IDH's onboarding process (not applicable for internal candidates).
For more questions about the role and organisation, please contact Conrad Willars at willars@idhtrade.org
Who we are.
IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.
IDH’s international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 300 staff including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains.
In 18 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.
For more information, go to www.idh.org or follow on LinkedIn.
Our commitment to safeguarding
The offer of this role will be subject to satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks, and background checks overseas where appropriate. IDH participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from previous employers regarding any findings of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment.
At IDH, we are committed to equal employment opportunity and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We strive every day to build a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Research shows that women and underrepresented candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of listed criteria. If you meet many — but not all — of the qualifications and feel energised by this role, we strongly encourage you to apply.