Business Lawyer – Legal Support for Project Acorn

Legal and Strategic Support for Project Acorn

Contribute to a better world by supporting a project that empowers 500,000 smallholder farmers to fight climate change through agroforestry.

You and your job

Deliver legal and strategic support to a purpose-driven innovation that operates as a standalone initiative within Rabobank. As Business Lawyer, you are involved from the start of commercial projects, working in multidisciplinary teams to draft, assess, and negotiate contracts. You also play an active role in tenders and advise the business on legal, strategic, and commercial matters.

Practical Examples

• Drafting and negotiating complex international contracts with governments and corporate partners.
• Advising on legal aspects of carbon credit certification.

Responsibilities

As Business Lawyer for Project Acorn, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal foundation of an innovative, impact-driven initiative. Your responsibilities include:

• Lead Contract Lifecycle Management
  Draft, review, and negotiate complex international agreements with governments, NGOs, and corporate partners. Ensure all contracts are aligned with Acorn’s mission and Rabobank’s compliance standards.
• Provide Regulatory and Carbon Market Expertise
  Advise on international regulations related to carbon credits, agroforestry, and remote sensing technologies. Monitor legislative developments in key regions (Africa, Latin America) and translate them into actionable guidance for the business.
• Develop Risk and Compliance Frameworks
  Design and implement legal risk assessment models for new partnerships and projects. Safeguard compliance with internal governance policies and external certification requirements.
• Shape Governance and Policy Structures
  Draft internal legal guidelines and governance documentation. Advise on optimal legal structures for new entities, joint ventures, and strategic collaborations.
• Drive Strategic Negotiations and Stakeholder Engagement
  Act as the primary legal point of contact in multidisciplinary teams. Lead negotiations with diverse stakeholders to secure agreements that balance legal integrity with commercial objectives.

You’ll be part of a young, driven, and mission-led team of 35 people working to scale a transparent, honest, and traceable solution to climate change.

‘Working on Acorn means being part of something bigger. We’re not just innovating—we’re making real impact, fast.’
Jelmer van de Mortel, Head of Acorn.

The 35 people in Project Acorn work together to develop and scale a transparent, traceable and impactful carbon removal solution that supports smallholder farmers in transitioning to agroforestry. Working together is the way we work; as one purposeful team at Rabobank.

You and your talent

• 5–9 years of experience as a lawyer and/or in-house counsel.
• Must be able to work independently and be the go-to person for all things Legal for the Acorn team.
• Strong foundation in contract law.
• Can do mentality; see possibilities, not only risks and legal obstacles.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to translate legal into business.
• Must have strong affinity with Acorn goals and purpose.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to explain complicated legal matters to business people.
• Fluent in Dutch and English.
• Experience with contracts involving governments and NGOs in Africa and Latin America is a plus.

Contact

Any questions about the job content? Contact: Daan Velsink, Head of Operations Acorn via daan.velsink@rabobank.com.

This position will initially be part of Rabobank, within the current Acorn program team. However, the program may be transferred to a separate legal entity. If this materializes (currently anticipated around March 2026), the role will transition to the new company, outside of Rabobank. We are committed to transparent communication and support throughout this process.