Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was established by the Charter of the United Nations and is the principal judicial organ of that Organization. The Court is composed of 15 judges, each elected to serve a nine-year term of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Judges are selected from among persons of high moral character, who possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices. One third of the Court is elected every three years. The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law, through judgments which have binding force and are without appeal for the parties concerned, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is the only principal organ of the United Nations to have its own administration (Charter, Article 98). The Registry is the permanent international secretariat of the Court. Since the Court is both a judicial body and an international institution, the role of the Registry includes providing judicial support and acting as a permanent administrative organ. The activities of the Registry are thus administrative, as well as judicial and diplomatic. The Registry is headed by the Registrar, who is elected by the Members of the Court. The Court wishes to appoint a number of Law Clerks, each of whom will provide research and other legal assistance to one of the judges of the Court. For administrative purposes, the Law Clerks are attached to the Department of Legal Matters of the Registry.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the judge to whom he or she is specifically assigned, the Law Clerk will provide such judge with legal research and related assistance with regard to cases pending before the Court. The Law Clerk may also be required to provide legal assistance and support to a judge ad hoc participating in a particular case. In co ordination with his or her judge, the Law Clerk may also from time to time be called upon to perform some specific legal tasks for the Registry.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge of a wide range of topics in public international law. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of topics in public international law. Ability to interpret and apply legal instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal documents and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

An advanced university degree in law, with significant academic background in public international law or professional experience in the field; a first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Postgraduate studies in public international law would be an asset.

Job - Specific Qualification

Postgraduate studies in public international law is desirable.

Work Experience

Two years’ experience in the settlement of international legal disputes with an international organization, government, law firm or other private sector entity is desirable. Significant academic background in public international law or professional experience in the field is required.

Languages

French and English are the official languages of the Court. Excellent knowledge of and drafting ability in one of these languages is required, as well as good comprehension of and basic ability to communicate in the other language. Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations would be an asset.

Assessment

Candidates on the shortlist will be tested and interviewed in The Hague, or remotely. Prospective applicants should be prepared to demonstrate in the exam and interview that they have expertise in a wide range of topics in public international law.

Special Notice

The Court is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a staff member. Appointments as Law Clerk to Judges of the Court is for a two year fixed term, renewable once for a second and final two year period. Applicants are specifically requested to provide, at the time of their application, a full PDF copy of their official academic record indicating the level of attainment achieved (e.g., class of degree, GPA, mark awarded, or position in overall ranking) in respect of any university or professional qualification obtained. If the relevant university or authority does not make such information available, that fact should be stated. Applications that are found by the Court to meet the above criteria may be added to the reserve list from which future vacancies of Law Clerk postions will be filled. If the selected candidate is a staff member from an organization applying the United Nations Common System of Salaries and Allowances, the provisions of the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan shall apply. The selected candidate may be subject to security clearance, including verification of the information provided and a criminal record check. All candidates should be in a position to submit an electronic copy of their passport, recent performance appraisal reports, and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested. The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified job description.

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the ICJ Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICJ if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ICJ does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICJ are fraudulent and should be disregarded.