Legal Counsel

Reports To
General Counsel & Safeguarding Focal PointSummary
Organization: Plan International CanadaReports To: General Counsel & Safeguarding Focal PointLocation: Toronto (Hybrid)Status: Current, Full-time, PermanentContact Level: BThe Position
Plan Canada is seeking a legal counsel that provides strategic, practical, and risk-based legal support across the organization’s operations, partnerships, and growth initiatives. This position reports to the General Counsel & Safeguarding Focal Point. Plan Canada’s Legal Department partners closely with business unit leads across programs, marketing, philanthropy, communications, finance, IT, and Talent & Culture to advance Plan Canada’s mission while managing legal, regulatory, and reputational risk. The legal team provides a broad range of corporate services to the organization with a focus on corporate/commercial agreements, international program agreements, corporate governance, compliance, policy development, employment law, privacy, IT, intellectual property, and child protection and safeguarding matters. This role supports both day‑to‑day operations and evolving strategic priorities, including diversification of funding modalities such as innovative finance initiatives, commercial contracts, and leveraging public‑private partnerships. The legal counsel will also support Plan Canada’s position as a strategic connector and platform‑level convenor, helping to structure relationships that align donors, institutional funders, private sector partners, and local implementing partners to deliver impact at scale.What success looks like?
Draft, review, and negotiate a range of corporate agreements including service agreements (e.G. technology, consultants, vendors, etc.), grant, sub‑grant and international program agreements, data sharing and data processing agreements, and sponsorship and corporate partnership contracts.Provide clear, practical, and risk‑based legal advice related to contract interpretation and dispute risk, and legislative requirements including Canadian charity law and regulatory compliance (e.G. CRA requirements).Support development and implementation of diverse and innovative funding models such as results‑based finance, commercial contracts linked to program delivery or impact, public‑private partnerships, and blended funding approaches.Support cross‑functional strategic initiatives by identifying legal risks, dependencies, and structuring considerations in enterprise‑level projects (including new funding models and partnerships).Provide legal advice on employment and workplace matters, including employment agreements, workplace policies, accommodation, performance management, leaves, terminations, workplace investigations, and employment standards.Provide legal guidance on public‑facing initiatives, including campaigns, advocacy, partnerships, and brand positioning.Work with the business unit leads to carry out reviews of applicable national and international policies and guidelines as part of Legal’s compliance function.Monitor and advise on legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organization such as those related to privacy, data protection, employment, tax, marketing and advertising, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, etc.Manage legal files independently from intake through execution.Contribute to policy development and updates.Assist with Board, Board Committee, and Executive Management meeting materials including briefing notes and presentations.Support corporate governance under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and internal bylaws.Contribute to continuous improvement of the legal processes and tools including maintaining contract templates and guidance documents to align with legislative/regulatory requirements and industry best practices.As Our Ideal Candidate You Will Have
Juris Doctor or LL.B. required as well as membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.3-5 years’ knowledge and experience in corporate law in Ontario gained in private practice, an in‑house legal department, or a comparable environment.Experience with charitable / not‑for‑profit organizations and innovative funding models desired.Proficient in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements.Demonstrated ability to lead and manage several complex files, initiatives, and demands concurrently.Proficient in issue spotting and risk analysis in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.Excellent oral and written communication skills that reflect the information, opinions and observations understood and acted upon.Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.Time management and organizational skills, with an orientation to detail and ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy.Ability to work well in a team environment and establish excellent working relationships with individuals at all levels.Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with a high degree of tact, diplomacy, confidentiality and professionalism.Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, prioritize projects, meet strict deadlines and take initiative.Plan International Canada is a hybrid workplace. You will work from the office and from home.The salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $ 100,000 and $ 130,000. We comprehensively evaluate a variety of factors to determine fair compensation, including experience, specific job‑related skills and relevant educational or professional training. Additionally, we ensure that compensation is equitable across our team and aligns with current market trends. This role also qualifies for an extensive benefits package and generous paid time off.Plan International Canada hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and to providing an inclusive workplace. Plan International Canada especially welcomes applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.Consistent with our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including the vulnerable sector screen.Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the work term. Proof of eligibility will be required.
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