Job Summary:

The Business Services Unit (BSU) sits within the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and oversees country registration and related compliance for the organization. BSU leads the research and strategic thinking regarding new and closing country registrations and operating options for new and closing country platforms. It works with regional hubs, project, country, and enterprise services teams to advise and support registration renewals, compliance requirements, and other related requirements. BSU serves a critical role for FHI 360’s global legal entity landscape and maintains strong relationships throughout the organization.

The Country Registration Specialist serves as a member of the BSU team providing guidance and direct support for all matters relating to registration to ensure organizational compliance and mitigation of organizational risks. This position is responsible for leading and advising international country registrations, including initial registration, compliance with post-registration reporting requirements, registration renewals and de-registration and transition upon project closeout. Routine collaboration and coordination with regional hubs and country teams will be essential to this role.

*This is not an expatriate position.

Accountabilities:

• Oversee the registration process and associated requirements for FHI 360 globally building strategic relationships within the organization as well as 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 of business development and when entering new markets.
• Lead in-country registration process on all matters 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 projects teams accordingly to ensure compliance with 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 as may be required at the conclusion of projects and when FHI 360 decides to leave a country.
• Educate and train project and country staff on registration requirements and processes, demonstrating 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 stakeholders, both within the organization and outside.
• Prepare reports and provide information as appropriate to management and senior level staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong commitment to exceptional and consistent client service and communications.
• Ability to prioritize multiple 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 and 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 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

• Bachelor's Degree or its International Equivalent in Business Administration, , International Development, Law/Legal Studies, or 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.

Typical Physical Demands:

Typical office environment.

• Ability to spend long hours looking at 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.

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.

Travel Requirements:

N/A