Application Guide
How to Apply for Legal Counsel - International
at Onja
🏢 About Onja
Onja is a unique social enterprise that transforms lives in Madagascar by training underprivileged youth to become software developers who work remotely for international tech companies. Their innovative model creates sustainable impact by enabling graduates to support their families while funding education for new students. Working here means contributing directly to social mobility and economic development through education.
About This Role
As Legal Counsel - International at Onja, you'll provide crucial legal guidance on employment law and dispute resolution for a remote team across international jurisdictions. This part-time role is impactful because you'll help protect both the organization and its students/graduates while enabling Onja's mission to scale responsibly. You'll design policies that balance legal compliance with the practical realities of operating a social enterprise in Madagascar's developing economy.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing employment agreements for new graduates joining international tech teams, advising management on compliance issues across different jurisdictions, and developing dispute resolution protocols for remote work arrangements. You'd collaborate with Onja's training team to ensure legal frameworks support both student protection and graduate success while managing relationships with external counsel as needed for specialized matters.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Onja Is Looking For
- A qualified lawyer with specific experience in employment law and dispute resolution, particularly in cross-border or international contexts
- Someone who can translate complex legal concepts into practical advice for non-legal team members working in education and tech
- A professional with high ethical standards who understands the unique legal challenges of social enterprises operating in developing countries
- An independent worker who excels at remote collaboration and can manage relationships with external counsel across different time zones
📝 Tips for Applying to Onja
Highlight any experience with international employment law, particularly involving remote workers or developing economies
Demonstrate understanding of social enterprise legal structures and the specific compliance challenges they face
Show how you've previously balanced legal risk management with supporting organizational mission and growth
Include examples of creating practical legal solutions for non-legal teams in previous roles
Mention any experience with education or nonprofit legal matters, as this directly relates to Onja's training model
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with international employment law and how it applies to remote teams', 'Understanding of the unique legal challenges facing social enterprises like Onja', 'Ability to balance legal compliance with practical solutions that support organizational mission', 'Experience working with cross-cultural teams or in developing economy contexts']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Onja's specific training model and how graduates transition to employment with international companies
- → Madagascar's employment laws and how they interact with international remote work arrangements
- → Common legal challenges faced by social enterprises operating in education and tech sectors
- → The specific countries where Onja's partner companies are located to understand relevant jurisdictions
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic legal experience without highlighting specific relevance to employment law or international contexts
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of social enterprise models and their unique legal considerations
- Presenting as overly risk-averse without showing ability to balance compliance with mission-driven flexibility
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!