SVN 0152 2026 - NATIONAL LEGAL OFFICER, BOGOTA, NO-A

Job Description

Introducción

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture on the IOM Workplace Culture webpage.

Applications are welcome from both internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those from qualified and eligible second-tier candidates during the selection process. For additional information, please refer to the internal guidance and the IOM Candidate Tier System and Internal-Equivalent Candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The Legal Unit provides legal advice and support to the Mission on a wide range of matters, including donor agreements, procurement and contractual arrangements, implementing partner assessments, institutional compliance, private sector partnerships, and relations with national authorities. The Unit ensures that the Mission’s activities are carried out in accordance with IOM policies, regulations, instructions and applicable legal frameworks.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, the National Legal Officer will provide legal coordination and support services to the Mission, ensuring that requests for legal review are properly documented, processed and referred to the Office of Legal Affairs (LEG), as required

Responsibilities

1. Support the coordination and administrative processing of contribution agreements and related documentation, ensuring completeness and compliance with IOM procedures and facilitating review by LEG and the Regional Office, as required. Provide day-to-day guidance and task allocation to the Legal Unit Assistant, as applicable.

2. Coordinate the submission, tracking and follow-up of legal templates and agreements requiring review and clearance by LEG in accordance with IN/099 Rev. 2 and other applicable instructions.

3. Review supporting documentation related to procurement and implementing partner processes to ensure completeness and compliance with established IOM requirements and refer matters requiring legal determination to LEG.

4. Prepare and coordinate legal correspondence, diplomatic communications and Note Verbales, ensuring consistency with guidance provided by LEG and relevant institutional requirements.

5. Coordinate the review and processing of individual contractor documentation, ensuring the use of approved templates and facilitating the relevant clearance and signature processes.

6. Compile, organize and present relevant background information and support documentation for legal matters referred to LEG. 

7. Support the coordination and administrative processing of legal matters related to partnerships, construction projects and records management, ensuring timely referral to LEG where legal review or guidance is required.

8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or, 
• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting legal and contractual processes, including the review and administration of agreements, legal documentation and compliance with organizational procedures

• ​​Proficient in Microsoft Office applications e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, Outlook;  

• ​Attention to detail, ability to organise paperwork in a methodical way;  

• ​Discreet, details and clients-oriented, patient and willingness to learn new things; and,  

• ​Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

SKILLS

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas addressed by the Organization.

• Knowledge of United Nations and bilateral donor programming frameworks and requirements.

•  Teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Flexibility and willingness to undertake new responsibilities and challenges.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Ability to review legal documentation, identify issues requiring escalation and ensure compliance with established procedures

• Good drafting and communication skills

Languages

All IOM staff members, regardless of category, are required to be proficient in at least one of IOM’s official languages: English, French, or Spanish.

For this position:

Required

• For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written).

Desirable

• Working knowledge in French.

Proficiency in the required language(s) will be specifically assessed during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral evaluations.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.

• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators – ​Choose a level.​ 
 

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential. 

• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential. 

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. 

• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. 

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM employment categories

Any offer made to the selected candidate in relation to this vacancy is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment to a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency or visa requirements, accreditation, and security clearances.

IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination on the grounds of gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, or disability.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or any other fee). IOM does not request any information related to applicants’ bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment System: . For internal candidates, please refer to the relevant internal application procedures. This online recruitment platform also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Late applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information on career opportunities and other vacancies, please visit: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.

Important: Please note that this offer is subject to the availability of funds. Once the project agreement is signed, implementation will need to commence immediately.

Required Skills

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