How to apply for Legal Counsel - International

About Onja

Onja is a social enterprise that trains underprivileged youth in Madagascar to become remote software developers for international teams. It has a proven model with its first cohort of 19 graduates now working for partners in Europe and the US, and aims to scale to 360 students over four years. The team is united and hardworking but maintains a relaxed atmosphere in Toamasina, Madagascar.

About the role

As Legal Counsel - International, you will lead efforts in safeguarding Onja's legal interests as it scales its operations globally. This part-time remote role involves providing legal advice on international employment, contracts, and compliance to support Onja's growth and mission.

A typical day

You might review and draft contracts for new partner companies, advise on compliance with local laws in countries where Onja operates, and respond to legal queries from the team. You could also research regulatory changes affecting remote employment and provide training to staff on legal best practices.

Who Onja is looking for

• Qualified lawyer with experience in international law, particularly in employment and contract law across multiple jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with legal issues related to remote work, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations.
• Ability to work independently and provide practical legal advice to a fast-growing team.
• Strong communication skills to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers and collaborate with colleagues in different time zones.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have with international employment law, especially involving remote workers or developing countries.
• Show your understanding of Onja's social mission and how legal work can support scaling a social enterprise.
• Emphasize your ability to work part-time and remotely, and mention your availability across time zones if relevant.
• Provide examples of legal counsel you've given to startups or growing organizations, focusing on contract drafting and compliance.
• If you have experience with Madagascar or African legal contexts, mention it, but it's not required.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in international legal frameworks, particularly employment and contracts.', 'How you can help Onja navigate legal challenges as it scales from 19 to 360 students.', "Your commitment to social impact and understanding of Onja's model.", 'Your ability to work part-time and remotely, and how you manage communication and deadlines.']

Research before applying

• Read Onja's website and any published materials about their model and impact.
• Look up the legal structure of social enterprises in Madagascar and internationally.
• Research common legal challenges for remote-first companies hiring in multiple jurisdictions.
• Find out about Madagascar's legal system and any specific regulations for non-profits or social enterprises.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you handle employment contracts for remote developers in multiple countries?
• What legal risks do you see for Onja as it scales, and how would you mitigate them?
• Describe your experience with data protection and privacy laws in an international context.
• How do you stay updated on changes in international law that could affect a social enterprise?
• Give an example of a complex legal issue you resolved for a client with limited resources.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not addressing the part-time and remote nature of the role in your application.
• Ignoring the social mission and treating it as a typical corporate legal role.
• Failing to demonstrate any knowledge of international legal issues beyond your home country.