Legal Officer - P2

The Office of the Legal Adviser/Office of Legal Services (JUR) provides a wide range of legal services to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its various organs (in particular the Office, the International Labour Conference and the Governing Body of the ILO).  The work is carried out by a small, dedicated team at ILO headquarters. The unit reports directly to the Director-General.  It is responsible for furthering and defending the legal interests of the Organization.

The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization adopted in 2008 (Declaration) and accompanying resolution of the International Labour Conference are a driving impetus in the increasing demand on JUR for legal services necessary to conclusion of development cooperation agreements and partnerships.  These arrangements are more numerous and complex in the course of implementation of the 2008 Declaration.  The very nature of the Declaration demands that the ILO assist its Members by “strengthening and streamlining its technical cooperation and expert advice, through country programmes and within the framework of the United Nations system”, by “providing assistance to Members who wish to promote strategic objectives jointly within the framework of bilateral or multilateral agreements” and by “developing new partnerships with non-state entities and economic actors.” 

The incumbent will report to the Legal Adviser.  This position will provide the Office of the Legal Adviser with the necessary capacity to provide legal support for the increasing development cooperation demand from headquarters and field units of the ILO and the ITCILO. The position will better enable JUR to respond in a sound and timely manner to the demands placed upon it.

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Legal Officer, the Deputy Legal Adviser or the Legal Adviser, the incumbent shall:

1. Undertake preliminary legal analysis of proposals for development cooperation agreements and partnerships, transmitted mainly by PARDEV, including assessment of related documents, consultation with concerned parties, and prepare or revise the necessary transactional documents in order to recommend them for signature. Liaise as may be instructed with units concerned such as PARDEV, PROCUREMENT, FINANCE and ITCILO.

2. Support the Legal Adviser in reviewing legal issues and difficulties in the application of privileges and immunities of the ILO in countries of operation, in order to manage risk and promote cost-effectiveness in delivery of development cooperation projects. Liaise as may be instructed with field offices concerned.

3. Assist in providing advice on legal aspects of procurement related to development cooperation, and on legal issues arising in the course of implementation of development cooperation projects, including vendor eligibility, confidentiality, anti-fraud, international property rights, use of logo and other legally binding conditions placed on the administration of funds-in-trust.

4. Contribute to review and provide legal advice on individual contractual agreements and leases for development cooperation projects. Liaise as may be instructed with INTSERV.

5. Perform such other services as may be instructed by the Legal Adviser, including legal research, drafting of legal memorandums, participation in and servicing of any tripartite meetings on relevant issues.

Advanced degree in law. Specialization or post-graduate degree in public international law would be an advantage.

Minimum of two years of national or international legal experience. Work experience in development cooperation would be an asset.
 

Excellent command of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other with demonstrated ability to draft succinctly and correctly in both languages. Knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage.
 

Ability to analyse defined aspects of legal issues, draft clearly and concisely, and take initiatives to keep up-to-date with new developments in the areas of law necessary to development cooperation transactions.  Excellent writing skills. Absolute discretion in dealing with confidential matters. Ability to use standard software, including Excel.  Flexibility and capacity to work in a team and organize legal documentation and administrative work.