Legal Officer - P03

In accordance with paragraph f. of Article 44 of the General Standards, the official languages of the Organization are English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.  No candidate for a position in the General Secretariat subject to the competition requirement shall be contracted until he/she has passed language proficiency exams administered by the DHR in at least two of the official languages. Nevertheless, i) Any candidate, including staff member whose native language is one of those four languages shall only be required to demonstrate proficiency on an exam in one of the others; and (ii) Persons applying for G-1 and G-2 positions at Headquarters and G-3 driver/clerk positions in those Offices of the General Secretariat in the Member States where the language requirement unduly restricts the recruitment of otherwise qualified staff shall be exempt from this language proficiency requirement for as long as they occupy those positions. Subsequently, in order to be eligible to compete for a higher-level position, any staff member who has benefited from this exemption must demonstrate proficiency in a second official language of the Organization. (iii) A person selected as the best candidate may receive a fixed-term contract, which will be considered to have lapsed in case the person does not pass the required language examination within the 36 months following the appointment. 
            

This is an analytical-type, professional position designed to coordinate various aspects of a project  and/or activities in the fulfillment of the mission of its designated Department/Secretariat, and is  assigned all or part of the following responsibilities. (NOTE: these responsibilities and expected  results are standardized, and are not necessarily performed by all staff members sharing this job title):

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

▪ Participates in the provision of legal advice and supports the Secretary for Legal Affairs in meetings such as the General Assembly, the Councils, and other organs, agencies and entities of the Organization.

▪ Conducts extensive legal studies and research in order to draft documents needed to provide legal advice to the Secretary for Legal Affairs.

▪ Supports the Secretary for Legal Affairs in his functions of directing, planning, and coordinating work on developing international law, in the inter-American system and juridical cooperation with member states, international organizations, and other government and non-governmental organizations.

▪ Collaborates in the elaboration of studies; reports, draft conventions and resolutions and other technical and legal instruments, including minutes and summaries.

▪ Prepares reports at the request of the Secretary for Legal Affairs in matters of the agenda of the General Assembly and Permanent Council and proceeds to the necessary research.

▪ Prepares project profiles for the approval of the Secretary for Legal Affairs with the purpose of looking for funding for the development of the activities of the Secretariat on specific topics and assists other lawyers in the implementation of those projects.

▪ Works with the Secretary for Legal Affairs in coordinating the activities of the Departments of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs.

▪ Coordinates with the person in charge of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs web page to keep updated information on the topics under his/her responsibility.

▪ Represents the Secretariat for Legal Affairs in high-level meetings, intergovernmental fora, technical working groups, and specialized consultations, articulating institutional positions, contributing to policy dialogue, and advancing the legal and strategic priorities of the Organization.

▪ Designs and delivers specialized legal briefings, capacity-building sessions, seminars, workshops, and structured training activities aimed at strengthening knowledge, promoting best practices, and enhancing technical expertise among Member States, institutional counterparts, and stakeholders.

▪ Performs other related duties as assigned by the Secretary for Legal Affairs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Essential: Juris Doctor or First University Degree (Bachelor's) in law, international law or a related field issued by a duly accredited institution and 7 years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels, or Advanced University Degree (Master's) in one of the fields listed above issued by a duly accredited institution and 4 years of relevant experience OR Doctorate and 1 year of relevant experience.

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandates and priorities as related to the area of work and/or the dynamics of the Inter-American agenda and system. Experience in a governmental, regional or international organization or institutions.

LANGUAGES:

Essential – Proficient in at least two of the following languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish (read, write and communicate). Language proficiency examination will be required.

Desirable – Working knowledge of other two OAS official languages

     

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Essential: Ability to effectively work using Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other applications such as Oracle, Visio, Access, Share Point) and software applicable to the area of work.

Personal Competencies: Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills.  Ability to clearly communicate in the languages required for the post.

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.

Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65 years.

Benefits:

- Compensation: 
Professional Category: Remuneration = Basic Salary + Post Adjustment 
Net of taxes for non-US citizens 

- US citizens tax reimbursement: US Citizens are reimbursed for most taxes paid on OAS remuneration.  

- Paid Annual Leave: 21 days from 1st year.  Increase to 30 days within 5 years. 

- Sick Leave and Parental Leave.

- Health Insurance: OAS pays 2/3 of premium.

- Pension and Savings Plans: In addition to salary, OAS contributes 14% of pensionable remuneration to a Retirement and Pension Plan. Staff contribute 7%.

- Additional benefits (dependent on contract type): Mobilization allowance, repatriation grant, home leave travel, dependency allowance, life insurance.