Posted: 15 July 2023
Closing date: 15 October 2023

Interviews have started, but please feel free to apply, as we might consider new applications.

MISSION TO METRICS 
The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop and scale technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. You will support our mission by bringing legal expertise to the team. “Be a legal guardian of a forward-thinking organization, with many opportunities for professional diversification and growth” João Ribeiro-Bidaoui, General Counsel & Director of Global Public Affairs.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Providing legal advice to the Kuala Lumpur office of The Ocean Cleanup; requires managing the legal risks The Ocean Cleanup may face across several areas of law and jurisdictions in Southeast Asia. You will draft, review, and negotiate contracts with suppliers, sponsors, partners, financial institutions, international organizations, and governments. You will be involved in mapping and overseeing regulatory requirements for the operations of The Ocean Cleanup and in public relations with regulatory authorities where necessary. Because our operations are new and unique, existing laws and regulations might not cover such operations. To create relationships with government at the regional level (Southeast Asia) and international organizations located in the region with a clear-sighted focus on delivering our mission. You will manage our efforts, ensuring maximum impact with minimum resources, in close cooperation with our local partners. There are often no precedents (something that makes this job so exciting). You will be forging and maintaining relations with governments, international organizations, and like-minded institutions is essential. 

The responsibilities and activities are extremely broad and diverse. You will work with an international team of talented lawyers in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and highly ranked law firms in Southeast Asia that support The Ocean Cleanup. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading MOU negotiations in liaison with the Head of the Legal Department; 
• Independently drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, primarily in English, when needed; 
• Challenge and support business decisions from a legal perspective; 
• Manage outside experts/counsels;
• HR and procurement support; 
• Advising on a variety of other legal topics; 
• Mapping public affairs stakeholders; 
• Support the development and leveraging existing networks and relationships for constructive dialogue with governments in the region, regional organizations, and like-minded institutions operating in Southeast Asia:
• Ensure visibility in our countries of envisaged operation in the region; 
• Accelerate engagement with opportunities for Institutional Funding; 
• Visiting prospective partners in numerous countries and locations

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

• Master’s degree in law · At least 6 years of experience in private practice, preferably also experience as an in-house counsel and/or with an International Organization 
• In-depth understanding of various fields of law or the willingness to learn more; 
• A proven ability to deliver results through well-targeted contacts with governments, international organizations in the region, and civil society; 
• In-depth understanding of regional political and policy developments; 
• Extensive knowledge in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating international contracts; 
• Excellent English and Bahasa languages skills (written and verbal), other Asian languages are a plus 
• Willingness to travel regularly within Southeast Asia

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

• Pragmatic where possible, but thorough when needed 
• Team player with high cultural awareness and sensitivity; and excellent communication skills 
• Thrives in fast-paced, international environments 
• Self-motivated, “can do” mentality 
• Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful goal

Requirements 

• Eligible to legally work in Malaysia
• Qualified lawyer admitted to the Bar in at least one ASEAN jurisdiction