About the Role
The Senior Associate – Legal & Regulation will play a critical role in supporting the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) with its legal and regulatory functions. This is a full-time position based in Bengaluru, aimed at handling legal advisory, contract management, transactional matters, and institutional process drafting. The role involves close collaboration with various internal teams, external stakeholders, and government agencies. The candidate will be expected to manage complex legal issues related to the not-for-profit sector, procurement, construction contracts, intellectual property, and higher education policy. This position is ideal for a lawyer with strong drafting, research, and advisory skills who can work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Associate will be responsible for providing legal and regulatory support, including drafting and reviewing contracts, managing transactions, and advising on institutional processes. The role includes preparing legal documentation, conducting due diligence, drafting memos and opinions, and supporting litigation proceedings as required. A significant part of the job will involve research on laws, policies, and case laws relevant to urban development and higher education, including digital learning and education rankings. The candidate will also support the organization’s academic, research, training, and operational functions while contributing to institution-building activities. This multifaceted role requires both legal expertise and policy understanding.
Structure and Reporting
This position reports to the Chief – Legal & Regulation or a designated senior legal officer at IIHS. The Senior Associate will work closely with diverse teams across research, academics, operations, and policy. The role requires collaboration with external organizations, government bodies, and students, ensuring that legal and regulatory requirements are fully met. The position is exclusive, meaning candidates must refrain from engaging in other professional work that could lead to a conflict of interest with IIHS. Regular review and performance assessments will ensure accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law and have at least five years of relevant work experience, preferably with exposure to legal and regulatory issues in the not-for-profit sector. Strong expertise in contract drafting, transactional work, and litigation support is essential. Proficiency in legal research, especially in areas like labour law, taxation, privacy, and data protection, is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills in English, along with fluency in Hindi or Kannada, are required. The candidate should be comfortable working under strict deadlines, collaborating across disciplines, and dealing with government agencies and regulatory bodies effectively.
Location and Diversity Policy
The position is based at IIHS’ Bengaluru office and may require travel to other locations in India. IIHS is an equal-opportunity employer that encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from socially and economically marginalized communities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process. Candidates are expected to align with IIHS’s mission of advancing urban research and education while contributing to impactful policy and institutional development. Interested applicants can reach out to hr@iihs.co.in for clarifications regarding the application process.
