The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization that advances soil health and strengthens agricultural systems through science-based innovation. For over 50 years, IFDC has translated research into practical solutions that improve nutrient use efficiency, restore degraded soils, strengthen local agricultural markets and expand opportunity for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
We work with farmers, governments and private sector partners to build resilient farming systems that produce nutritious food, improve livelihoods, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.
We are guided by four core principles:
Collaborate – We work across teams, countries and partners to create lasting impact.
Innovate – We apply evidence and continuous learning to design practical and responsible solutions.
Include – We promote equity and meaningful participation for women, youth and underrepresented groups.
Act with Integrity – We steward resources responsibly, uphold transparency and remain accountable to the communities, partners, staff and donors who place their trust in us.
The General Counsel serves as a legal advisor to the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) providing both strategic and operational legal support to the Board and management across IFDC’s global operations. The role requires balancing Board-level advisory responsibilities with timely legal guidance to internal functions.
The position operates with a high degree of independence, including direct access to the Board Chair and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC) Chair for sensitive matters.
1. Board Governance & Advisory
2. Legal Advisory & Contract Management
Provide accurate, timely and practical legal counsel to management on a variety of topics, including corporate governance, compliance, risk management, and employment law;
Prepare, review, advise and negotiate a wide range of commercial documents including contracts, agreements, and partnerships;
3. Compliance, Risk & Global Legal Oversight
Monitor adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including corporate governance and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) related requirement;
4. Litigation & External Counsel Management
5. Policy, Training & Internal Enablement
Professional Qualifications
Reporting and Work Relationships
This position will report to the president and CEO.
This is a national recruitment with a duty station in Alabama.
IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.
The salary grade for this position is BG 12.
The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.
IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.
