The Country Registration Specialist serves as a key member of the Business Services Unit (BSU) within the Office of General Counsel (OGC). This unit oversees country registration and related legal compliance for FHI 360 globally. BSU leads research and strategic thinking regarding new and closing country registrations and operating options for country platforms. It works with regional hubs, project, country, and enterprise services teams to advise and support registration renewals, compliance requirements, and other related matters. The specialist plays a critical role in maintaining the organization's global legal entity landscape and ensuring operational efficiency and compliance across various country platforms.
This position is responsible for leading and advising international country registrations, covering initial registration, ongoing compliance with post-registration reporting requirements, registration renewals, and de-registration/transition upon project closeout. Routine collaboration and coordination with regional hubs and country teams are essential to this role.
Note: This is not an expatriate position.
Accountabilities
- Oversee the registration process and associated requirements for FHI 360 globally, building strategic relationships within the organization and with local counsel to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with local laws.
- Serve as a partner on project implementation units and regional hubs, providing technical counsel and support for business development and market entry.
- Lead the in-country registration process, including establishing and maintaining relationships with local lawyers to determine needs and local requirements, making recommendations on registration options in the best interest of both the project and the organization, and preparing and reviewing required documentation.
- Ensure compliance with ongoing legal requirements related to registration and advise project teams accordingly to ensure adherence to local laws in countries with an active FHI 360 presence.
- Partner with project teams and regional hubs to ensure effective closeout of registrations with various government agencies required at the conclusion of projects or when FHI 360 decides to leave a country.
- Educate and train project and country staff on registration requirements and processes, highlighting the importance of registration as a critical component of compliance.
- Document and maintain all information related to registrations in a common organizational database to ensure a complete history.
- Provide regular, timely, and clear communications and updates to key internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare reports and provide information as appropriate to management and senior level staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Applied Knowledge & Skills
- Strong commitment to exceptional and consistent client service and communications.
- Ability to prioritize multiple complex projects, determine best methods to accomplish objectives efficiently, and adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to research, analyze, and communicate complex information, including local laws, legal opinions, HR guidelines, and corporate policies and procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and meticulousness in drafting, reviewing, and revising international legal documents.
- Good judgment, understanding of organizational structure, and ability to find a balance between corporate risk and the ability for FHI 360 projects to operate.
- Ability to influence, motivate, negotiate, and work well with others.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent and demonstrated project management and presentation skills.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English; additional French and/or Spanish language skills are preferred.
Problem Solving & Impact
- Independently identifies and resolves problems and recommends/implements corrective action as needed in a timely manner.
- Works on complex problems that require in-depth evaluation of data and various factors.
- Anticipates needs and develops customized solutions to address complex issues.
- Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques, for obtaining results.
- Decisions and actions could have a severe impact on the outcomes of the business, research, and/or programmatic operations of major segments of the organization.
Supervision Given/Received
- Provides guidance to staff performing related work and functions across the organization.
- Develops and recommends solutions to meet internal and external needs of the organization.
- Reports to the Associate Director, Business Services and Legal Operations.
Education and Experience Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Business Administration, International Development, Law/Legal Studies, or a Related Field.
- Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent preferred.
- Project Management certification preferred.
Experience
- Typically requires a minimum of 5 - 8 years of business management, program management, operations, and/or international development experience.
- Experience in operations, compliance, and/or program management with a non-governmental organization (NGO) or other international organization.
- Experience with country registrations, compliance, and international local laws preferred.
- English language fluency required (reading, writing, and speaking); additional French and/or Spanish language skills preferred.
Technology to be Used
- Personal Computer
- Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS, SharePoint, e-mail)
- Jira and other project management software
- Office telephone, cell phone, and printer/copier.
Typical Physical Demands
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift 5 - 25 lbs.
Travel Requirements
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