Vacancy Notice 1040

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. 

INTERPOL strives to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To achieve our Diversity goals, we encourage applications from women and nationals of under/unrepresented member countries who are passionate about our mission. INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

Job Title: Principal Legal Agent 
Reporting To: Counsel / Coordinator
Location: Lyon, France 
Type of contract: Short-term Contract 
Duration (in months): Different contract durations - 5 months and 3 months *
Grade: 8   
Number of posts: 2
Level of Security screening:  Basic
Deadline for application: 18 March 2025

For Short-term vacancies only: For internal candidates holding fixed-term appointments, selection for this position will be treated as a Temporary Assignment.

Conditions applying for all candidates

Only professional experience for which candidates can provide official proof of employment will be considered. Candidates could be requested to provide copies of such official documents prior to interviews/test.

* This position has a temporary nature and carries, in principle, no expectation of renewal. Any potential subsequent extension will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

Tests/interviews in connection to this selection procedure will take place approximately xx weeks after the deadline for applications. Applicants are kindly requested to plan their availability during this period accordingly, in case they are short-listed.

​Selected candidates will be expected to report for duty approximately two to three months after receiving an offer of employment at the latest.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to address Organization's similar staffing needs in the future.

The incumbent will be part of the Institutional Affairs Directorate (IAF) and will work under the overall supervision of the Director, Institutional Affairs, or his designee. He/she will participate in providing legal services on all aspects of the Organization’s governance and institutional law portfolio. He/she must use professional judgment in performing the duties/tasks assigned to him/her; maintain good communication with his/her supervisor(s) and colleagues; and, given the sensitive nature of the work, perform his/her duties with discretion.

The incumbent is, according to organizational priorities and individual skill sets and experience, expected to carry out a combination of the following specialized duties under regular supervision of his/her hierarchy:

DUTY 1

Assist in providing legal advice to the Secretary General and senior decision-makers on matters arising from the implementation of IAF’s mandate, conducting legal research and preparing background documents;

DUTY 2

Assist in the preparation of reports, background documents, draft conclusions, minutes and presentation materials relating to the work of INTERPOL’s governing bodies, including any subsidiary bodies;

DUTY 3

Assist in the preparation of meetings of INTERPOL’s governing bodies, prepare convocation letters, and communications with delegations; actively support the Secretariat of the governing bodies during such meetings;

DUTY 4

Assist in the preparation, negotiation and drafting of agreements with Member Countries related to privileges and immunities (P&I); provide assistance on any activities of a legal nature, falling under the Centennial privileges and immunities Initiative;

DUTY 5

Performing any other related duties as may be required by the hierarchy;

Education and qualification required:

• A vocational diploma is required in the area concerned, or the Baccalaureate or equivalent diploma.
• Studies in public international law, or international relations are desired.

Experience required:

• At least two years’ experience in the area of public international law. Candidates with a two-year higher education diploma need no previous experience.
• Previous experience with an international/regional organization or research centers dealing with public international law will be considered an asset.

languages:

• Fluency in English is required and basic working knowledge of one of the other official working languages of the Organization (Arabic, French or Spanish) would be desirable.

Abilities required:

• Excellent research, drafting and organizational skills
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to organize and synthesize voluminous information
• Ability to draft concise and clear memoranda and related reports
• Personal and professional maturity
• Discretion and professional judgment when working on sensitive matters
• Ability to work in teams as well as individually
• Ability to work under pressure and produce results on short timelines
• Good social skills, particularly in a multicultural environment
• Initiative, creativity (original thinking), and curiosity.