Legal Analyst, Operations & Transactions/Program Advisory. Nairobi. Posting Date: 01/05/2026. Deadline: 01/21/2026
Role Title: Legal Analyst, Operations & Transactions/Program Advisory
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Legal Division Director
Program/Department/Unit Name: Office of General Counsel
Location: Nairobi
Team Name: Operations and Transactions / Program Advisory
Role Purpose
The role of Legal Analyst supports the work of two Office of the General Counsel divisions โ (i) Operations and Transactions; and (ii) Program Advisory. The role provides critical support to these divisions by delivering high-quality legal assistance across a range of matters including the efficient preparation, management, and coordination of legal documents, internal client relationship management, knowledge management and project management, enabling attorneys to focus on strategic legal advice.
Key responsibilities
- Support attorneys in OGC to manage complex international matters including but not limited to drafting, reviewing, analyzing and organizing documents, monitoring matter activity and pending deadlines, and progressing multi-workstream and often multi-jurisdiction transactional matters
- Provide legal insight and analysis, answer inquiries, draft agreements, and participate in the execution of the OGC strategy
- Provide assistance related to contracts, grants, litigation, other legal documents, policies and processes as assigned
- Interpret regulation, carry out legal research and assure compliance with specific legal and regulatory requirements (international and domestic) and internal policies and processes
- Support process improvements, including identifying issues, developing, and implementing process changes
- Develop and deliver training and other learning materials
- Act as support/coordination role for ongoing OGC projects, including managing logistics, agenda setting, and coordinating action items and deliverables
- Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements.
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
None
Key internal relationships
Legal Division Director, Operations and Transactions; Legal Division Director, Program Advisory; Associate General Counsels in Operations and Transactions and Program Advisory; Procurement and Contracting Unit; Grants Management; Associate Directors, Global Operations
The ideal candidate
- Experience of the above duties as a legal assistant or paralegal, in legal operations, or as a business analyst within a law firm or in a legal department
- Attention to detail, high degree of organization, and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects
- Experience and record of accomplishments in legal document review, drafting including grants, and contracts and/or template management
- Demonstrated interest in and aptitude for understanding legal concepts and complex organizational structures, demonstrated skill in communication (verbal and written) with lawyers about matters with legal content and experience with legal documents and legal support functions requiring acute attention to detail including in a virtual environment
- A practical, business-oriented approach to problem-solving, tempered by an appreciation for legal complexity and risk
- Strong relationship building skills, with experience managing inter and intra organizational relationships in complex organizational environments and building partnerships
- Strong digital literacy and a proactive interest in technology
- Project Management experience will be a plus
Desirable:
- Experience with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) requirements
- Experience working in an organization with a complex international structure and/or the non-profit field a plus
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.