Legal Officer

The position is located in the Freedom of Association Branch (LIBSYND) within the International Labour Standards Department (NORMES). 

NORMES strives to enhance the relevance of international labour standards to the world of work and ensure their role as a useful means of achieving the constitutional objectives of the Organization, as well as the ILO strategic objectives, as called for by the 2008 Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.

More specifically, NORMES is responsible for: (i) designing and implementing the ILO standards-related activities in accordance with the standards strategy adopted by the Governing Body; (ii)  supporting and servicing all the supervisory bodies of the ILO; and (iii) the promotion of Office-wide coherence and cooperation on international labour standards.

The Legal Officer will be assigned to one of the thematic units of the freedom of association Branch. LIBSYND provides support to the supervisory bodies and technical assistance to countries most specifically on international labour standards related to freedom of association and collective bargaining.  The incumbent may periodically be called on to change from a thematic unit to another, or to work within various units, to respond to the evolving workload within the Branch and the Department.

The position will report to the corresponding Head of Unit(s) within the Freedom of Association Branch.

1. Under the close supervision of a senior official, draft comparative analyses of the legislation and practice of the member States. Prepare draft documents to be considered by the supervisory bodies, in particular in relation to the Committee of Experts and in the context of Article 24 Representations and Article 26 Complaints, on issues within the Unit's portfolio.
2. Prepare draft Working Papers, mostly in Spanish, for the Committee on Freedom of Association under the close supervision of a senior official and the Branch Chief.
3. Prepare draft correspondence, mostly in Spanish, to respond to numerous queries concerning the procedures of the supervisory bodies in relation to freedom of association.
4. Prepare initial comments on questions related to international law, labour standards or labour relations. Undertake research and studies on issues related to international labour standards.
5. Provide technical assistance and support to member States on international labour standards and the supervisory system during seminars, meetings and other activities.
6. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

1. Examine reports by governments and comments by employers' and workers' organizations on ratified and unratified Conventions and Recommendations. Perform comparative analyses of the legislation and practice of the different States. Draft comments for the high-level committees and/or groups of experts.
2. Draft notes, reports and comments concerning the application of Conventions, for consideration by governments, the Governing Body, and the International Labour Conference.
3. Undertake research and studies on problems relating to internal administration, international law or labour standards.
4. Participate as a member of the secretariat of various committees dealing with legal issues or labour standards, including the preparation of background material and documents, drafting records of meetings, drafting reports, etc.
5. Draft replies to requests from constituents or clients on questions relating to international labour standards or other legal questions.
6. Prepare summaries of judgements and national labour law case.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law. A first level university degree in Law and a professional qualification to practice law in one or more jurisdictions may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Minimum of one year of national or international experience.

Excellent command of Spanish and a working knowledge of another working language  (English or French) of the Organization.

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Ability to analyse defined aspects of legal issues, draft clearly and concisely to prepare studies and comments and take initiatives to keep up-to-date with new developments in the occupational area.

Ability to carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines; work within tight deadlines and respect confidentiality; adaptability. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.