Senior Legal Specialist

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Job Description

The Legal & Compliance Specialist will support the ASIA Legal Counsel across a range of legal, company secretarial, administrative, and compliance functions, with a particular focus on labor and employment matters in Philippines. The role will also play a key part in the adoption of AI-driven legal solutions across Philippines Country. The ideal candidate will bring solid labor law expertise, be detail-oriented and proactive, and be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

Labor & Employment Law

• Advise on labor and employment matters, including employment contracts, workplace policies, disciplinary processes, terminations, and dispute resolution, in line with local labor law requirements.
• Monitor developments in labor legislation and regulatory practice, and update company policies and procedures accordingly.
• Support engagement and correspondence with the labor authority (e.g., DOLE in the Philippines), including responding to inquiries, audits, and proceedings.
• Assist in managing labor-related risks and in preparing for inspections, conciliation, or other administrative proceedings.

Compliance Program Leadership

• Lead and coordinate compliance initiatives in the Philippines.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure company policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
• Conduct compliance training and awareness sessions for employees.
• Support product recall and related regulatory processes, including coordination with relevant stakeholders and authorities to ensure compliant and timely execution.

Company Secretarial Support

• Assist in preparing and maintaining statutory records, registers, and minutes of meetings by coordinating with external law firms.
• Coordinate board and shareholder meetings, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and follow-up on action items.
• Ensure timely filings and compliance with local company law requirements.

Contract Review (Non-Complex Agreements)

• Review and draft standard, non-complex agreements such as NDAs and POAs.
• Identify and escalate potential legal risks or issues to the Legal Line Manager.
• Ensure contracts are executed and stored in accordance with company policy.

Legal Administration

• Organize and maintain legal documents, contracts, and correspondence.
• Manage legal databases and filing systems for easy retrieval and compliance.

AI Adoption Project

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement AI tools and solutions for legal processes.
• Assist in training and onboarding team members on new AI technologies.
• Monitor and report on the progress and effectiveness of AI adoption initiatives.

Stakeholder Communication

• Liaise with internal departments, external counsel, and regulatory authorities as required.
• Prepare regular reports and updates for management on legal and compliance matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LL.B./J.D.); admission to the bar and/or a company secretarial qualification is an advantage.
• 3+ years of relevant legal experience, with demonstrated expertise in labor and employment law, preferably in a multinational environment. Prior experience dealing with the labor authority (e.g., DOLE or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with product recall processes and related regulatory requirements is an advantage.
• Familiarity with compliance programs and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with contract review and drafting.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Interest or experience in legal technology and AI adoption is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptable and open to learning new technologies and processes

Additional Information

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion