Azim Premji Foundation
Website:
azimpremjifoundation.org
Job details:
Job Title: Paralegal – Contract Lead
Location: Bengaluru (Sarjapur)
Department: Legal
Reporting To: Leader Legal
Experience Required: 10+ years
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary
Azim Premji Foundation is seeking an experienced and purpose-driven Contract Lead to manage and oversee the full spectrum of contracts supporting its operations and programs. This includes construction contracts, administrative/vendor agreements, grant agreements, intellectual property (IPR) matters, and other institutional engagements.
The role will be responsible for building robust contract governance practices while leading a small team of three professionals and collaborating closely with program, finance, legal, and administrative teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Lifecycle Management
- Lead end-to-end management of diverse contracts, including:
- Construction and infrastructure-related agreements (EPC)
- Administrative and vendor contracts
- Grant agreements and donor-linked documentation
- Intellectual property (IPR) and knowledge-sharing arrangements
- Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize contracts ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s objectives and policies.
- Develop and maintain standardized templates, playbooks, and documentation protocols.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure all contracts comply with applicable laws and internal governance frameworks.
- Identify contractual risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
- Work closely with internal legal counsel to address complex legal issues.
- Conduct periodic reviews and audits to ensure adherence to contractual and compliance standards.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with internal teams (Programs, Finance, Procurement, Admin) to understand contracting needs and provide timely support.
- Support program teams in structuring agreements.
- Act as a trusted advisor for contract-related decision-making across the Foundation.
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a team of three contract professionals.
- Allocate responsibilities, set goals, and monitor performance.
- Build capability within the team through training and knowledge sharing.
Process Excellence & Systems
- Strengthen contract management processes to improve turnaround time and accuracy.
- Maintain a centralized contract repository with proper tracking and version control.
- Introduce and optimize tools or systems for contract lifecycle management, where relevant.
- Track key metrics related to contract efficiency, compliance, and risk.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in law, (postgraduate preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of corporate or institutional experience, with significant exposure to contract management.
- Exposure to infrastructure or construction-related contracting.
- Demonstrated experience handling a variety of contracts, including construction (EPC), vendor agreements, grants, and IPR-related matters.
- Proven track record of leading teams and managing stakeholders across functions.
- Strong understanding of legal and commercial aspects of contracts.
Preferred Attributes
- Experience working in the non-profit / development sector or with philanthropic organizations.
- Experience with contract management / contract execution tools or systems.
Key Competencies
- Strong alignment with the Foundation’s values and mission
- High integrity and attention to detail
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills
- Structured thinking and problem-solving ability
- Ability to manage complexity across diverse contract types
- Collaborative and stakeholder-oriented mindset
Success Indicators
- Timely and high-quality execution of contract lifecycle processes
- Strong compliance and minimal contractual risk exposure
- Effective support to program and operational teams
- Development and performance of the contracts team
Click on Apply to know more.
