The Legal Counsel (International) position at Onja offers a unique opportunity for legal professionals seeking meaningful, impact-driven work. This remote, part-time role is designed for individuals who want to combine legal expertise with social impact, contributing to a fast-growing social enterprise focused on education and technology in Madagascar.
Unlike traditional legal roles, this position integrates legal advisory responsibilities with mission-driven work, helping to empower underprivileged youth through access to education and global employment opportunities.
Understanding Onja’s Mission and Impact
Onja operates with a clear and innovative social model aimed at transforming lives through education. The organization identifies talented students who lack financial means and trains them in English and software development.
Key aspects of the mission include:
- Training students over a two-year period in technical and language skills
- Transitioning graduates into remote software development roles
- Enabling graduates to support their families and communities
- Reinvesting profits to train future cohorts of students
This sustainable cycle creates long-term socioeconomic impact while addressing global talent shortages in the tech industry.
Core Responsibilities of the Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel plays a critical role in protecting the organization’s legal interests as it scales operations internationally. The role involves both advisory and strategic legal functions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing timely and practical legal advice to management and staff
- Ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations across jurisdictions
- Developing internal policies to mitigate legal risks
- Supporting dispute resolution and employment law matters
- Collaborating with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies
- Designing and delivering legal training within the organization
This broad scope allows the Legal Counsel to influence both operational and strategic decisions.
Legal Expertise and Professional Requirements
The position requires a solid foundation in legal practice, along with the ability to operate independently in a remote, international environment.
Minimum qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent qualification
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- High level of professional integrity and ethical standards
- Strong analytical and research capabilities
- Ability to work independently and within a team
Preferred qualifications:
- Professional legal certification or bar admission
- Experience in employment law or dispute resolution
- Background in advising organizations or startups
- Experience working in cross-cultural or international settings
These qualifications ensure the candidate can effectively navigate complex legal environments.
Work Structure and Flexibility
This role is designed with flexibility in mind, making it attractive for professionals seeking a balanced work arrangement.
Key features include:
- Fully remote, allowing work from anywhere globally
- Part-time structure, suitable for professionals with other commitments
- Initial 12-month commitment with potential for extension
- Autonomous work environment with collaborative team culture
This flexibility supports both professional growth and personal well-being.
Compensation and Benefits
While the job listing does not specify an exact salary figure, it highlights a competitive local compensation structure aligned with the organization’s operating context.
Benefits include:
- A “good local salary” sufficient for comfortable living
- Unlimited annual leave policy
- Opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment
- Exposure to international teams and global projects
The emphasis is less on high corporate salaries and more on meaningful impact and lifestyle flexibility.
Organizational Culture and Work Environment
Onja promotes a collaborative and supportive work culture. Despite being a fast-growing startup, the organization maintains a relaxed and purpose-driven atmosphere.
Cultural highlights include:
- Strong sense of community and shared mission
- Emphasis on personal and professional growth
- Supportive and inclusive team dynamics
- Opportunity to work with globally diverse professionals
This culture is particularly appealing to individuals motivated by purpose rather than purely financial incentives.
Career Growth and Impact
The Legal Counsel role offers significant opportunities for growth, especially within a scaling social enterprise.
Potential career benefits include:
- Gaining experience in international and nonprofit law
- Building expertise in legal frameworks for social enterprises
- Working directly with leadership on strategic decisions
- Contributing to a scalable model with global relevance
Professionals in this role can develop both technical legal skills and broader strategic insight.
Conclusion: A Meaningful Legal Career with Global Reach
The Legal Counsel (International) role at Onja is more than a legal position—it is an opportunity to contribute to transformative social impact. By supporting an organization that empowers youth through education and employment, the role combines legal expertise with purpose-driven work.
For legal professionals seeking flexibility, international exposure, and meaningful contribution, this position offers a compelling alternative to traditional corporate legal careers.
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