Legal Adviser (Director) (D-2) Office of the Legal Adviser

About Us

The Office of the Legal Adviser provides legal advice and support to the Director-General, the Divisions and Branches of the Secretariat, and States Parties on a wide range of legal issues. In doing so, the Office ensures that the Organisation’s activities are conducted in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and relevant rules, policies and agreements.

 

The primary responsibility of the Office is to assist in the interpretation and implementation of the CWC, the decisions and rules of procedure of the policy-making organs, the internal legislation of the Organisation, and various sources of public international law.

 

The Office advises on commercial matters, the development of new internal administrative policies and procedures, and personnel-related administrative issues. Its legal services include assistance in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating international agreements and interpretation of the Headquarters Agreement between the OPCW and the Host Country.

 

General Information

Contract Type
Fixed-term Director

Grade
D2

Total Salary (including post adjustment)
USD 144.321

Closing Date
16/11/2019

Responsibilities

 

Job Summary

 

This role is centred around the provision of legal service for the Secretariat and for the OPCW Member States through interpretation and implementation of the CWC, the decisions and rules of procedure of the policy-making organs, the internal legislation, and the public international law.

 

As the Legal Adviser you will have a highly visible leadership role in ensuring that the Organisation’s activities are conducted in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and relevant rules, policies and agreements. The Legal Adviser provides legal advice and support to the Director-General, the Divisions and Branches of the Secretariat, and States Parties on a wide range of legal issues.

 

Main Responsibilities

 

In this role you will direct, plan, and supervise the legal work of the Office by establishing the policy framework and providing the necessary guidance. You will provide legal advice on policy, programme, or other matters with legal aspects or related to legal instruments, including advising Management on complex and sensitive legal issues relating to the functions, structure, and activities of the Organisation. You will be in charge of directing the drafting of legal related instruments, such as contracts, agreements, rules and regulations, etc.

 

You will also be responsible for:

• Representing the Organisation in litigation proceedings, administrative tribunals, and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies.

 

• Manage the Programme of Work and Budget for the Office within a framework of Results-Based Management and Results-Based Budgeting to ensure proper delivery of activities.

 

• As member of the Management Board, participate in the discussion and formulation of recommendations to the Director-General on policy and operational issues impacting on the administration of the Organisation.

 

• Represent the Office at meetings of the Policy-Making Organs, international seminars, conferences, and meetings etc.

To view the complete job outline, click here.

 

Qualifications and Experience

 

Education

 

You need an advanced university degree in law. A first level university degree in law with at least over 17 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Knowledge and Experience

 

Make sure you have a minimum of over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in providing leadership, direction, and advice at the national or international levels dealing with extensive legal issues, a substantial part of which should be at the senior level in the private or public sector or in international organisations.

 

It is desirable to have knowledge and/or experience in the following: international law, disarmament law, international administrative law, and/or the legal aspects of the United Nations common system or the OPCW.

 

Skills and Competencies

 

To succeed in this role you will need strong analytical and conceptual skills in analysing and interpreting operational issues, formulating options, and proposing and implementing solutions. We are looking for a candidate with effective leadership skills and ability to take responsibility for key organisational issues, including the ability to think strategically and achieve results aligned with the Organisation's strategic goals.

 

Other skills and competencies (amongst others) we are looking for are:

• Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment with people of different cultural and national backgrounds, including ability to effectively supervise, mentor, train, develop, and evaluate staff.

 

• Excellent planning, organisation, coordination, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to apply tact and accuracy and to present information clearly and logically both in writing and verbally.

 

• The ability to learn quickly and thoroughly while continually recognising and adapting to changing conditions.

 

• Well-developed diplomatic and policy skills.

 

• Demonstrated understanding and exhibited behaviour of Knowledge Management leadership principles
     

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.

 

Additional Information

 

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of three years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules.

 

The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The total length of service for Professional staff shall not exceed 7 years.

 

The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

 

Only applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

 

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

OPCW General Terms and Conditions