Description

Background:

About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 35+ countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

The Project
Mercy Corps has embarked on a global rebrand and renaming to build a strong, externally facing brand that allows us to maximize our impact. The day-to-day organization will remain consistent, guided by the 10-year Pathway to Possibility strategy. However, Mercy Corps is seizing the opportunity to articulate what makes it unique in a way that is both differentiating and motivating to its stakeholders. The rebrand will be launched in 2026 and the Legal team will play an integral role in preparation, execution, and absorption of Mercy Corps name change process. 

Purpose / Project Description:

The Legal Project Manager will support the organization’s rebrand effort by assisting with the legal and regulatory aspects from preparation through launch of the project. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, and working closely with the Rebrand Team, the People (HR) Team as well as Regional and Country Teams, the Project Manager - Rebrand will manage project deadlines, deliverables, and communications to internal stakeholders to ensure timely execution of the legal aspects of the global name change. The role will require project management skills, cross-cultural competency, and change management expertise to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional legal/regulatory processes. 

Consultant Objectives: 

Successfully navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of a multi-jurisdictional project across Mercy Corps' U.S., European, and Country operations. 

Consultant Deliverables:

The Consultant will:

• Support the preparation and effectuation of the corporate name change for Mercy Corps Global Support (HQ) offices in the U.S., UK, and Netherlands as well as coordination with charitable regulators.
• Assist in preparing and implementing updates to governance documents for adoption by the Mercy Corps board.
• Assist in finalizing the scoping and support planning for country name change administrative processes.
• Advise the Global People Team and country teams on associated administrative processes including, where applicable, updates to labor and employment agreements, consultancy contracts, and satisfying other potential statutory requirements across different jurisdictions, including, for example, any legal processes related to updating tax, insurance, or work authorizations.
• Lead the preparation and updating of Mercy Corps legal agreement templates, contracts, and policies, including support to the People Team in managing updates to templates and supporting HR documents.
• Advise on and support contract novation strategies, where necessary.
• Assist in providing legal consultation and risk mitigation guidance throughout the rebrand process.
• Deliver a final report summarizing corporate name change status, regulatory notifications, and updated legal templates/documents across global operations, as well as any recommendations for future efforts.

Timeframe / Schedule: 

Approximately February 2026-September 2026, subject to change at Mercy Corps’ discretion.

The Consultant will report to:

The Deputy General Counsel will be the primary supervisor with oversight by the General Counsel.   

The Consultant will work closely with:

Rebrand Team, Legal Department, Marketing/Communications Department Operations Department, Country and Regional Teams, People Team.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to a bar association in a U.S. state (in good standing).
•  5-10 years of experience in legal corporate transactional matters. 
•  Knowledge and experience of labor and employment law across multiple global   jurisdictions preffered 
•  Demonstrated project management skills (Project Management training and/or   certification is a plus).
•  Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated presentation   skills.
•  Ability to work efficiently and collaboratively while maintaining confidentiality of   sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively, flexibly adaptively, and with a strong sense of service orientation across departments and global operations and with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience and knowledge of International NGO sector and registration efforts and personal affinity with our mission a plus.
• Experience with non-profit governance is a plus. 
• Knowledge of one or more foreign languages and/or previous foreign travel is a plus. 

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Safeguarding & Ethics
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.