Associate General Counsel, Global Risk and Corporate Compliance

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the 1.6 billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 299 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 77 countries, reaching over 500 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

 

Accion’s Legal Department manages all aspects of Accion’s Legal, Compliance and Risk Programs. Working closely with each department, the Legal Department plays a critical role in ensuring that Accion’s mission advances, its goals are met, and projects are successful by combining experienced counsel with strong business sensibilities.

 

Accion seeks a strategic, solutions-oriented attorney with strong business acumen to join its high-performing and collaborative legal team as Associate General Counsel. This role will be a key member of the Legal, Risk and Compliance team and will provide advice on a broad range of legal, risk management, compliance, governance, employment, privacy and technology matters affecting Accion's global operations. 

Working closely with the Deputy General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will help support and strengthen legal, risk and compliance programs across Accion's nonprofit and for-profit entities while partnering with colleagues throughout the organization to advance its mission.

 

This position offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple legal disciplines, international jurisdictions (U.S., Colombia, India, Singapore), and organizational structures within a mission-driven global enterprise.Report to the Deputy General Counsel.

 

Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid) or remote within the Eastern Time Zone.

• Support legal, risk and compliance across Accion's nonprofit and for-profit entities.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of risk and compliance management programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and support enterprise risk management initiatives.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting Accion's operations globally.
• Support audits, regulatory reviews, investigations, and compliance reporting activities.

• Advise on privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity matters.
• Review and negotiate technology, SaaS, software licensing, and vendor agreements.
• Support governance and risk assessments related to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Assist with development and implementation of AI policies, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Partner with technology and information security teams to address legal and compliance risks.

• Advise on employment matters internationally, including staffing approach, work permits and residency requirements, compensation structures, performance management, accommodations, and separations.
• Support drafting and review of Human Resources global and jurisdiction specific policies and procedures, reporting, offer letters, employment and separation agreements.
• Advise on immigration strategy for workforce transitions, entity restructuring and employer sponsorship, including visas (H-1B, L-1, TN, etc.), green card petitions (I-140, EB-1, PERM, etc.) and related programs.
• Manage immigration and international mobility matters with outside counsel.
• Assist with employment-related disputes.

• Assist in supporting the Board of Directors and Board Committees on governance matters.
• Prepare and review resolutions, committee materials, governance policies, and corporate records.
• Assist with governance and corporate maintenance activities for U.S. and international entities.
• Support annual filings and other corporate compliance requirements.

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of legal agreements and documents related to Accion’s global operations and programmatic initiatives.
• Advise business teams regarding contractual, operational, and legal risks.
• Coordinate with and manage outside counsel as needed.
• Support strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects throughout the organization.

• Develop and deliver training programs on legal, risk, compliance, ethics, governance, employment, privacy, and technology topics.
• Draft, update, maintain, and support implementation of organizational policies and procedures.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and responsible risk management.

• Bachelor’s degree plus a Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• 5 or more years of relevant legal experience with large U.S. nonprofit, financial services company and/or a U.S. law firm.
• Experience in several of the following areas is strongly preferred:
• Legal Entity management / Corporate Law
• Regulatory Compliance
• Employment Law / Immigration
• Risk management and reporting
• Privacy and data protection
• Artificial intelligence governance
• Technology transactions
• Policy development
• Excellent contract negotiation, risk and compliance management, and policy drafting skills.
• Exceptional strategic, problem-solving and clear communication abilities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills,
• Ability to balance legal risk with practical business objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters.

• Experience supporting nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, SEC registered investment advisers, or other regulated financial services companies.
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions (U.S., Colombia, India, Singapore) and with international operations.
• Familiarity with Board governance and corporate secretary matters.
• Interest in financial inclusion, impact investing, and international development.