Legal Counsel

Overview

Position Title: Legal Counsel
Reports to: General Counsel
Department: Legal & Human Rights
Location: Paris (office-based)

Full time, Local and Permanent contract

Starting date: ASAP 2026

PUR Description

PUR is a global, impact-focused B-Corp specializing in the development of environmental restoration projects, known as 'nature-based solutions' (NbS). Since 2008, we have been helping the world's largest organizations meet their ESG targets, reduce their environmental footprint, and regenerate the ecosystems they depend on across complex supply chains. PUR has developed over 45 projects in more than 30 countries and is recognized as a pioneer and leader in a sector advancing global climate and biodiversity goals.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering and operationalizing insetting strategies-interventions by companies within their own value chains designed to reduce GHG emissions while creating positive impacts for communities, landscapes, and ecosystems. The insetting approach aims to deliver ecological, social, and economic benefits, including enhanced agricultural yields and resilience to climate change-related stresses.

We tailor projects to the needs of different regions and communities, working in close collaboration with local actors, including cooperatives, NGOs, governments, and corporations. Today, we employ 200 staff across 16 countries with key offices in Paris (HQ) and Toronto.

Industry

PUR operates within the dynamic sector of environmental consultancy services and NbS markets. NbS projects may generate carbon credits traded in voluntary carbon markets (VCM). The NbS market has gained traction as societies seek to preserve, restore, and harness nature to address environmental challenges. To be considered a nature-based solution, projects must address real societal challenges and offer environmental, economic, and social benefits for local communities.

Market KPIs:

1. 5,307 companies have set science-based targets-a 4.2x increase since 2022-and are a driver of demand within NbS and VCM markets (SBTi, 2024).

2. To meet SBTi targets and mitigate climate-risk exposure, organizations will need to invest in PUR-type NbS projects. PUR is positioned to benefit from market expansion.

Position Summary

PUR seeks a rigorous, meticulous Legal Counsel with solid experience to strengthen its Legal & Human Rights team. This role combines contract drafting and negotiation, corporate governance & bookkeeping, and meaningful involvement in ethics, compliance, and human-rights topics. The position suits someone grounded in legal craftsmanship who is also open-minded, curious, and eager to engage with emerging or imperfectly defined legal and ethical topics arising in nature-based, field-driven environments. You should be comfortable navigating diverse countries, cultures, and sometimes volatile operational contexts.

Key Responsibilities

1. 1. Contracting

   1. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including:

   2. Project implementation contracts (agroforestry, reforestation, regenerative agriculture)

   3. Various service agreements in the NbS field and other areas

   4. Complex and long-term contracts with clients

   5. Provide clear, pragmatic advice to operational and commercial teams

   6. Identify risks and propose solutions balancing legal rigor with operational needs

2. 2. Corporate Governance & Bookkeeping

   1. Handle corporate bookkeeping for the 8 subsidiaries of the group

   2. Maintain statutory registers and review corporate documentation

   3. Manage legal filings, annual reports, and corporate compliance calendars

   4. Support legal structuring and lifecycle management of entities across jurisdictions

   5. Ensure alignment with group governance standards and regulatory requirements

   6. Review delegations of powers in line with the group matrix

3. 3. Ethics & Human Rights

   1. Contribute to the development and deployment of ethics and human rights frameworks

   2. Support due diligence processes, risk assessments, and implementation of controls

   3. Assist with internal ethics inquiries, reporting mechanisms, and remediation actions

4. 4. Legal Support for Nature-Based Solutions

   1. Provide legal analysis and support for projects involving:

   2. Land use and land tenure

   3. Community partnership agreements

   4. Environmental and biodiversity commitments

   5. Value chain sustainability collaborations

   6. Stay informed on evolving regulations in sustainability, deforestation, biodiversity, and agriculture

5. 5. Curiosity, Adaptability & Cross-Functional Work

   1. Dive into new, ambiguous, or unstable areas of law and practice when needed

   2. Think creatively to find solutions that support mission-driven innovation

   3. Collaborate regularly with operations, HR, finance, data, and impact teams

   4. Build trust across diverse cultures, languages, and field realities

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Law degree (Master in Law, LLM, JD equivalent)

• 5 to 10 years of solid professional legal experience, ideally including exposure to:

• Commercial contracts

• Corporate governance

• International or multijurisdictional contexts

• Experience in sustainability, agriculture, development, NbS, or NGO environments is valued but not mandatory

• Prior ethics or compliance experience is a plus; willingness to learn is essential

• Fluent written and spoken English (essential)

• Excellent organizational skills and follow-through

• Excellent verbal and writing skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with international teams

Why join PUR?

Contribute to meaningful environmental and social impact. Operate at the intersection of law, sustainability, and community-based action. Work in a diverse, multicultural, field-driven organization. Grow professionally through exposure to new topics, geographies, and legal challenges.

Recruitment process

1. 1 hour HR online interview

2. 1 hour online technical interview with the General Counsel

3. On-site interview with the General Counsel (optional)

4. 2 References check

At PUR, we strive to build inclusive teams and an equitable workplace where our employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. As a global company operating across six continents, we recognize that diversity in the workplace is essential to achieving our mission.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, gender, colour, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other aspect that makes them unique.

PUR is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all candidates during the application process and for employees during their employment. If you require accommodation or consideration throughout the interview process, let us know, and we will do our best to support you.