Associate Counsel

**Associate Counsel**:

- Location: Geneva, Switzerland- Working time: 100%- Contract: permanent_

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to, and facilitate the development of, life-saving medicines for low
- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. To date, MPP has signed agreements with 13 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, two long-acting technologies, two experimental oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and a COVID-19 serological antibody diagnostic test. In 2020, MPP’s mandate was temporarily expanded to include COVID-19 treatments. In 2021 it was expanded further to include the licensing of technology with an initial focus on COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic preparedness. MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and SDC.

**Main Duties**:
The **Associate Counsel **works under the supervision of the General Counsel as part of a small, dynamic legal team to provide sound legal stewardship and strategic advice in all facets of the organisation’s affairs.

**Main Duties/Responsibilities**
- Develop legal analysis for negotiations, participate in negotiations and drafting of licensing and technology transfer agreements under the supervision of the General Counsel.
- Conduct legal research on intellectual property and licensing issues of importance to the organisation.
- Liaise with the MPP’s Expert Advisory Group (EAG) and Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), develop evaluation frameworks, draft reports, organise meetings under the supervision of the General Counsel.
- Liaise with the MPP’s Compliance Officer and the Ethics and Compliance Subcommittee of the MPP Board to ensure compliance with MPP internal policies.
- Liaise with local Swiss counsel and external counsel in India for the day-to-day management of MPP and its Liaison Office.
- Provide legal advice to the Operations Manager and, HR Manager on legal aspects of programme management.
- Review and drafting of other general contracts and documents.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

**Knowledge/Qualifications**:

- Strong knowledge of intellectual property licensing.
- Strong knowledge of patent law within the international framework.
- Demonstrated excellence in legal research, analysis and writing skills.
- Experience in negotiating and drafting legal documents.
- Strong knowledge of issues related to intellectual property and access to medicines in developing countries.
- Experience with the pharmaceutical industry an asset.
- Excellent attention to detail.

**Professional background**:

- At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a related field.
- Experience and knowledge in pharmaceuticals and/or public health with issues related to access to medicines and/or intellectual property is a strong asset.

**Education and special training***:

- Postgraduate degree in law.
- Active membership in an accredited bar association as a strong asset.
- Degree in public health or other relevant area a plus.

**Use of Languages***:

- Native-level fluency in English is required.
- Oral and written proficiency in a second UN language is a plus.

**Personal Qualities**:
MPP’s richness lies in its staff: a small dynamic and multicultural team

To flourish in our team, you must recognise yourself in our values: Respect, Courage, Teamwork and Commitment.

Moreover, the Associate Counsel will need to demonstrate:

- Organisation skills, autonomy and ability to work within short timelines.
- Ability to work analytically, creatively and proactively in a problem-solving environment.
- Collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork.
- Sensitivity to different cultures and work styles.
- Demonstrable personal commitment to the public health goals of the MPP.