Legal Officer, P-3 (Readvertisement)

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Strategic Management and Executive Direction (SMED)

Publication/Transmission Date\:      12 December 2019

Deadline for Application\:                   11 January 2020 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)

Title and Grade\:                                  Legal Officer, P-3[1]

Indicative Annual Salary\:                   (a) Annual Net Salary\: USD 60,233 to USD 69,008

     (b) Post Adjustment\: USD 39,452.62 to USD 45,200.24

Duration of Appointment\:                   One year, with possible extension

Duty Station\:                                       Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

 Date for Entry on Duty\:          As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries.  At present, IRENA has 160 Members (159 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 23 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

The Legal Office within the Division of Strategic Management and Executive Direction (SMED) is responsible for providing legal services to the IRENA Secretariat, governing bodies and Members in the development and implementation of the Agency’s activities. In particular, the Legal Office provides legal support in all areas of the IRENA’s activities to ensure that they are conducted in accordance with the IRENA Statute, decisions of the IRENA governing bodies, agreements with IRENA’s partners, and the Agency’s internal legislation, including its financial regulations and procedures and staff regulations and rules.

Under the supervision of the Legal Advisor, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties\:

• Provides legal support for the proper and timely procurement of goods and services to IRENA, in particular reviewing and advising on all types of commercial agreements, including project agreements and license agreements;
• Provides legal support in the development of the IRENA Staff Regulations and Rules, the IRENA Financial Regulations and Procedures, and associated directives, policies and processes, and reviewing legal issues arising in connection with their implementation;
• Advises on intellectual property rights issues, and prepares terms of use, disclaimers and other notices for IRENA web platforms and publications;
• Provides legal support in the review, negotiation and drafting of agreements with partner entities, and discharges functions associated with the registration of international agreements concluded by IRENA;
• Advises on legal issues arising in the context of the IRENA governing bodies, including supporting the drafting and review of draft decisions, reports and other relevant documents as well as providing advice on the application and interpretation of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and Council;
• Conducts legal research and analysis, and prepares or assists in drafting background papers, studies and reports dealing with legal, institutional or administrative aspects of IRENA activities;
• Performs any other duties as required.

Professionalism\: Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of international law, including contract and administrative law of international organizations, and in particular of the UN common system. Knowledge of various legal research sources, and ability to conduct research and analysis on a wide range of legal issues. Proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal opinions and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Knowledge of knowledge and records management desirable. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.

Communication\: Strong drafting skills, including ability to draft legal texts clearly and precisely. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing\: Ability to plan and organize assignments. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
Uses time efficiently. Demonstrates high degree of autonomy in the discharge of assignments.

Teamwork\: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation\: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with specialization in public international law. A first-level university degree in law in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience working in the legal office of an international organization of the UN common system is highly desirable. Working experience in contractual and international administrative law is desirable.

Languages\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women, especially from nationals of developing countries, are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.