Job Description

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/es/

The Legal Counsel will support the Intellectual Assets Legal Counsel within the Intellectual Assets (IP) Unit of the Legal Department, providing legal assistance on intellectual property, research collaborations, and technology transfer activities. The role supports the contract life cycle management of agreements related to CIMMYT’s research and innovation activities and contributes to the implementation of CIMMYT’s intellectual assets policies. Working closely with scientific and operational teams, the position will assist in analyzing and addressing legal matters related to intellectual property, plant genetic resources, and the use and dissemination of research outputs.

Main responsabilities:

• Support the implementation and adoption of CIMMYT’s Intellectual Property policies and the CGIAR Intellectual Asset Principles, ensuring that agreements, research activities, and institutional practices align with these policies, applicable international treaties, and relevant national legislation.
• Support the management and implementation of intellectual asset management and technology transfer activities by reviewing and assisting in the negotiation of agreements related to intellectual property, including license agreements, material transfer agreements (MTAs), and other agreements governing the use and dissemination of technologies and research outputs.
• Participate in the development and improvement of legal processes, guidelines, and internal procedures related to the legal services provided by the Legal Department.

Requirements

• Four (4) years of professional legal experience involving intellectual property, research collaboration, or commercial/corporate law within a company, research organization, or law firm.
• Experience in the review, drafting, and negotiation of agreements is required. Experience reviewing agreements involving intellectual property, research collaborations, or licensing will be considered an advantage.
• Experience supporting the registration or management of intellectual property rights (such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, or plant breeders’ rights) will be considered an asset.
• Exposure or familiarity with legal frameworks governing plant genetic resources, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, or national legislation on access to genetic resources will be considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to conduct legal research and prepare clear legal assessments.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and multicultural environment and engage effectively with scientific and operational teams.
• High level of professional integrity, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Highly motivated professional with interest in developing expertise in intellectual property and innovation governance within an international research environment
• Level of English Advanced (C1/C2)

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).

Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Foreign national candidates must have legal documents to work in Mexico.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.