Trade Compliance Legal Counsel
Location: Belgium (Remote option available), Ireland or UK (Remote options available)
Contractual Job title: Manager – Legal Counsel
ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organisations.
With our patients at the centre of all that we do, we help to accelerate the development of drugs and devices that save lives and improve quality of life.
Our people are our greatest strength, are at the core of our culture, and the driving force behind our success. ICON people have a mission to succeed and a passion that ensures what we do, we do well.
The Role:
We are seeking a specialist, experienced Legal counsel to manage our trade compliance program and processes.
You will be a specialist in this field who will be seen as the legal subject matter expert managing ICON’s trade compliance program and liaising with the business on day to day matters regarding sanctions and import/export controls. You will have plenty of variety to get stuck into, with exposure to supporting on other compliance program area work.
Based in our global HQ, this is a fantastic opportunity to join one of Ireland’s largest legal teams in a position where you can make an impact globally and support ICON’s mission to help its clients to accelerate the development of drugs and medical devices that save patient lives and improve their quality of life.
Our legal leadership team were recently recognised by the Legal 500’s GC Power List for 2022. We are also proud winners of the 2021 Irish In-house legal team of the year!
Responsibility for the development and oversight of ICON’s Trade Compliance program:
Designing and leading the implementation of ICON's trade compliance program ( economic trade sanctions and anti-money laundering), including governance arrangements and controls;
Monitoring and implementing as necessary controls in relation to ever changing global sanctions programs e.g. US OFAC, EU and UK;
Implementing communications plans to roll out policies and procedures;
Developing metrics to monitor and measure effectiveness of compliance framework and gather data for regular reporting;
Maintaining documentation of compliance activities, such as training and framework development;
Conducting trainings independently for employees at different levels, develop training materials and monitor training progress;
Conducting daily checks related to economic trade sanctions and payment monitoring;
Providing Group-wide support for other regional and global compliance initiatives and controls;
Identifying ethics and compliance matters that require follow-up or investigation, and as appropriate, provide assistance;
Advising the business on how sanctions might impact ICON’s ability to do business with specific third parties or in specific regions;
Actively championing, communicating, driving, and embedding Trade Compliance requirements into all business operations;
Leading Trade Compliance projects, aligning and anchoring goals, initiatives, and activities in all Division's;
Trade Compliance subject matter expert liaising with Customs and Governmental Agencies where appropriate.
Provide pragmatic and timely advice to the business on general compliance issues and queries:
Reviewing and advising on MSA, vendor and other third party compliance contractual terms;
Acting as legal escalation point of contact for compliance screening of third parties;
Assisting in internal investigations of a compliance nature;
Providing legal advice on vendor compliance issues/escalations;
Assisting in review of compliance disclosure requests from time to time.
To be successful in the role, you will have:
4 years + PQE (Qualified Lawyer PQE)
Relevant working experience in trade compliance and/or import/export or customs regulations.
A good understanding of legal, regulatory and risk management concepts (anti-bribery corruption, economic trade sanctions, anti-money laundering, whistleblower awareness).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in English is required.
Able to work effectively in both independent and team settings.
Proactive, organised, detail-oriented, and logical.
Proficient in common computer applications.
Able to exercise sound judgment in a high pressure fast-paced environment, communicate guidance in a clear and concise manner and be assertive when required.
Willingness to work flexible hours and travel. This role requires frequent collaboration with team members and colleagues globally in other time zones.
Strong business partnering and senior level stakeholder management skills
Benefits of Working in ICON:
Our success depends on the knowledge, capabilities and quality of our people. That’s why we are committed to developing our employees in a continuous learning culture – one where we challenge you with engaging work and where every experience adds to your professional development.
At ICON, our focus is to provide you with a comprehensive and competitive total reward package that comprises, not only an excellent level of base pay, but also a wide range of variable pay and recognition programs. In addition, our best in class employee benefits, supportive policies and wellbeing initiatives are tailored to support you and your family at all stages of your career - both now, and into the future.
ICON, including subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know through the form below.
