Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial)

The IPC is seeking a full-time Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial) to join its international and multicultural team at the IPC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany. This role is primarily accountable to the Head of Legal – IP and Commercial and involves a wide range of responsibilities centered on commercial legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Review and Drafting:

• Reviewing, advising on, and drafting commercial contracts with the IPC’s sponsors, broadcasters, and digital media partners.
• Handling contracts for membership programs and those related to the Paralympic Games.
• Managing operational and procurement contracts, including technology and consultancy agreements, while providing advice on data and privacy issues.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management:

• Advising on IP issues in connection with sponsor activations and digital exploitation of content.
• Assisting with the management of the IPC’s global intellectual property portfolio in collaboration with other stakeholders, such as the Organizing Committees of the Paralympic Games and the International Olympic Committee, with support from external counsel.

General Legal Support:

• Providing general support to the Head of Legal – IP and Commercial in various legal areas.

Core Requirements

The ideal candidate for this position should be highly driven and motivated, thriving in an international, fast-paced environment. Key qualifications include:

Legal Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant legal qualifications with substantial experience, ideally within a sports organization or an international context.
• Strong grounding in contract and intellectual property law.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and media rights agreements.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong drafting skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and adapt to situational demands.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently while being a team player within a structured legal team.

Desired Experience

• Additional Expertise:
  • Experience in advising on broadcast/media rights deals or working with digital and social media companies.
  • Data protection experience.
  • Exposure to the sports sector, particularly Para sport.
  • Fluency in other languages, especially French or German, would be an asset.

The role is most suitable for a qualified lawyer with around four to eight years of experience, either from a law firm or in-house. Candidates with fewer years of overall experience but specialized in media rights or those who have worked in a sports rights organization will also be considered.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should send their CV and cover letter in English in PDF format to [email protected]. Applications and interviews will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The IPC is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging individuals with disabilities and members of minority groups to apply. The organization supports the relocation process and provides transitional accessible accommodation. For further information, visit the IPC website at www.paralympic.org