Legal Officer (SSA)

Position Remarks

This appointment is for a period of 9 months, starting date from 1 March 2018 ending on 30 November 2018.

Principal Functions

Under the supervision of the Head of IPB and technical guidance of the Implementation Officer (Legal) and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity/gender equality, the incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Provides tailor-made legal assistance to States Parties in implementing their obligations under Article VII of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), inter alia:
• Provides written and oral advice to National Authorities/legislators in States Parties on CWC obligations and on the different legislative and regulatory approaches to national implementation;
• Contributes to Evaluate and assesse national implementing measures in force in States Parties, and reviews draft national implementing legislation and regulations submitted to the Implementation Support Branch (IPB) and provide comments and advice thereto;
• Supports Implementation Officer (Legal) in conducting bilateral meetings with States Parties to discuss national implementation-related issues;

2. Provides legal advice or information within the Technical Secretariat and to the Policy Making Organs regarding the status of implementation of Article VII of the CWC, inter alia:
• Contribute to the preparation of the annual reports to the Policy Making Organs on the status of implementation of Article VII of the CWC;
• Provides information within the Technical Secretariat on national implementation, as required;
• Coordinates and participates in informal consultations on Article VII-related issues and assist the Head of IPB and the Facilitator in this regard;
• Under the guidance of the Implementation Officer (Legal), contributes to delivery of technical presentations and discussion on the Article VII legislative framework at relevant IPB capacity building events, including the internship for legal drafters and influential visitors programme;
• Prepares and provides inputs on legislation in preparation of backgrounders, briefings and relevant documents for HIPB and senior management.

3. Performs administrative tasks related to legislation Article VII implementation, inter alia:
• Maintains and update internal databases and archive on of Article VII-related folders to be accessible by IPB colleagues as deem necessary;
• Registers an review Article VII(5) submissions made by States Parties;
• Drafts, sends and files correspondence to States Parties, such as notes verbales, letters, and e-mails;

4. Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Skills

Qualifications Requirements:
Education, Competencies and Experience:

A university degree in Law with 2 years relevant working experience in an international organisation or government, preferably with emphasis on International Law; experience in providing support and assistance to the States Parties.

Knowledge and skills:
• Good communication Skills - both written and oral; good negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in legal drafting
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research
• A well-developed sense of judgement
• Ability to plan and organise and working under pressure of time and urgent deadlines.
• Flexibility and problem solving
• Tact and discretion
• Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural back grounds
• Availability for travel.

Experience

Two years’ experience working in an international organisation or government, preferably with emphasis on International Law. Experience in providing support and assistance to the States Parties;

Desirable: Previous experience in dealing with Member States of OPCW is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Salary Remarks

A monthly fee of Euros 3,486.48 will be paid. This is not a staff position and all other costs except travel to be borne by the individual Contractor, (including tax and insurance).