As ICARDA’s Legal Counsel, joined ICARDA in October 2019, Sahar Ibrahim supports the General Counsel in providing strategic legal advice and guidance across ICARDA’s global operations. She works to ensure that legal functions are efficiently managed and aligned with the Center’s research and development mission.
Her responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing a wide range of agreements with national and international partners, while ensuring proper legal structuring and compliance. Sahar also advises on matters related to ICARDA’s privileges and immunities, intellectual property rights, data protection (including GDPR and local laws), U.S. sanctions, ethics and privacy laws, and liability and indemnification.
In the area of employment law, Sahar supports ICARDA’s HR functions by providing legal guidance on staff contracts, entitlements, internal investigations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with local labor laws across multiple jurisdictions. She also manages disputes involving ICARDA, coordinating with external counsel when jurisdictional immunity does not apply.
Before joining ICARDA, Sahar practiced law in Egypt with private law firms, advising clients on corporate, commercial, and construction law. She led a significant M&A transaction in the media and telecommunications sector, contributed to precedent-setting litigation under Egyptian IP law, and handled complex disputes involving fraud and ethical issues.
With extensive experience across international and national legal frameworks, Sahar combines her private-sector expertise with a deep understanding of ICARDA’s unique legal status and mission. She is committed to supporting the Center’s work through sound legal counsel, risk management, and effective compliance.