Staff Counsel, International Operations

Salary
The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the pay ranges listed below. Base salary is localized according to an employee’s work location. Ranges are market-dependent and may be modified in the future.

For candidates living in Boston, MA; Denver, CO; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Diego, CA; and Washington, DC, the pay range is $114,800 – $128,850.

For candidates living elsewhere in the United States, the pay range is $97,300 – $109,200.

Position Summary
PLEASE NOTE: This is a US-based role that requires the employee to reside within the 48 contiguous states.

The Staff Counsel, International Operations helps to ensure that APHL’s international work is conducted in accordance with applicable US and foreign laws and regulations. The position will evaluate and monitor APHL’s international operations and facilitate changes in the structure of those operations when needed. This includes identifying and managing legal risks to minimize or eliminate those risks within the association’s international operations and improving internal controls over international subsidiaries or registered branches.

The position reports to the General Counsel and Managing Director, Legal & Compliance (General Counsel).

At this time, this position is funded through September 6, 2026 and is dependent upon continued availability of funds.

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving public health in the U.S. and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect public health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns, and other diverse health threats.

Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Subsidiary and Branch Operations

Work with in-country counsel to coordinate the maintenance or creation of international subsidiaries or APHL branch/representative offices as necessary.

Track all reporting or filing requirements for each subsidiary or branch and ensure timely submission.

Serve as primary staff liaison with members of the board of directors for APHL’s international subsidiaries.

Work with General Counsel, the Director, Global Health, and others to establish standard operating procedures for subsidiary formation and maintenance.

Work with Director, Global Safety and Security, and others to assist in developing subsidiary/branch SOPs.

Ensure SOPs support compliance with external legal, regulatory, contractual, or grant requirements.

Work with General Counsel, Director, People Operations, Global Health staff, Finance & Procurement, Grants Management staff, and in-country counsel to develop employment or consulting agreements for APHL’s international team.

2. Internal Audits; Compliance and Enforcement

Collaborate with General Counsel and members of Global Health, Operations, and Legal & Compliance on international compliance issues.

Develop a comprehensive internal audit program for APHL’s international operations.

Conduct or lead audits of subsidiary/branch operations and maintain accurate reports.

Develop remediation plans for noncompliance or other audit issues and monitor implementation.

Prepare and submit required reports to external agencies or third parties.

3. Risk Assessment and Incident Response

Develop and implement an ongoing risk assessment program for subsidiary/branch operations and maintain an incident/risk response system.

Work with Managing Director, People & Culture, and General Counsel as part of the response team for serious noncompliance issues.

4. Education and Training

Ensure senior management and key staff are aware of APHL’s SOPs and policies.

Train headquarters staff on internal audit functions and processes.

5. Association Support

Stay up to date on federal legislation, regulatory rules, and developments in internal auditing.

Assist with responses to external audits, agency proceedings, survey requests, or media inquiries.

Aid in the development, review, and negotiation of contracts, subaward agreements, teaming agreements, MOUs, and other contracts.

Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
The Staff Counsel, International Operations will supervise the work of the Specialist, International Compliance.

Employment Standards – Education and Experience

A law degree (JD or LLM) from an accredited law school with a strong academic background.

Membership in good standing of the DC or Maryland bar preferred; current bar membership in another US jurisdiction with the ability to practice in Maryland under the “in-house counsel” exemption required.

At least 2 years of relevant legal practice, preferably in nonprofit law, government grants, cooperative agreements, international law, compliance, administrative law, or corporate/transactional/regulatory law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

Experience drafting and negotiating international employment agreements, subgrant documents, or complex contracts.

Understanding of the dual role of in-house counsel as a management/program partner and institutional guardian desirable.

Experience developing SOPs preferred.

Experience working with international clients, staff, or vendors strongly desirable.

Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with SharePoint and Ironclad preferred.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Legal research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Strategic thinking, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Strong computer skills and attention to detail.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

Abilities

Self-directed, organized, and able to meet deadlines.

Positive, collaborative team player.

Ability to manage concurrent projects effectively.

APHL Weeks
APHL Week is a mandatory Conference/Convention held at the APHL Home Office in Bethesda, MD. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL. Local employees may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Position Description Status
The duties listed are illustrative and may be amended as needed. This job description does not constitute a contract.

Work Environment
Work environment characteristics described here represent those required to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands
Employees may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer, read information visually, and communicate orally. Accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

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