General Counsel - Legal Affairs
Commonwealth SecretariatThe Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking an exceptional legal leader to serve as its next General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs. This is a high‑profile role at the heart of an international organisation representing 56 member countries committed to peace, democracy, sustainable development, and respect for diversity and human rights.
As the Secretariat’s most senior legal adviser, the General Counsel will shape legal strategy across the organisation—guiding decision‑making at the highest levels, safeguarding the Secretariat’s reputation, and ensuring its work is grounded in robust public international law and international administrative law.
The Role
As General Counsel, you will be the Secretariat’s chief legal authority—shaping legal strategy, protecting institutional integrity, and guiding senior leaders through complex, high‑stakes issues. You will lead the Office of Legal Affairs, oversee litigation and dispute resolution, and ensure the Secretariat’s policies, contracts, HR processes, and international operations are grounded in sound legal frameworks.
You will manage a multinational legal team, direct external counsel, and represent the Secretariat in high‑level engagements with governments and international organisations. From safeguarding privileges and immunities to steering major organisational reforms, this role places you at the centre of the Secretariat’s most critical decisions.
About You
You are a seasoned legal leader with deep expertise in public international law, international administrative law, and the legal dimensions of operating within an intergovernmental organisation. You bring at least 15 years of post‑qualification experience, including significant senior‑level leadership, and a proven ability to advise confidently on complex, sensitive, and cross‑cutting legal matters.
You combine sharp analytical judgement with strong diplomacy, communication, and negotiation skills. You are comfortable navigating multicultural environments, managing diverse teams, and engaging senior stakeholders with authority and clarity. Experience with HR‑related legal issues, complex agreements, and international organisational law will set you apart.
About us
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.
Vision & mission
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth's aims of development, democracy and peace.
We:
- are a voice for small and vulnerable states
- champion young people
- promote justice and human rights
- address threats like climate change, debt and inequality
- help grow economies and boost trade
- support decision-makers to make good laws and deliver policies
- help strengthen governance and build inclusive public institutions
- provide technical help and training
- send experts and observers to countries to give impartial advice and help solve national problems
- provide systems, software and research for managing resources.
Our vision
To help create and sustain a Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values.
Our mission
We support member governments, and partner with the broader Commonwealth family and others, to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and to advance their shared interests globally.
Documents