Legal and Procurement Officer

Introduction

This position is located in the Contracting Unit of the Procurement Bureau (PROCUREMENT). PROCUREMENT reports to the Treasurer and Financial Comptroller and provides services to ILO headquarters units, external offices and extra-budgetary funded programmes and projects. The Bureau develops, administers and disseminates procurement, including contracting, policies, rules and procedures in accordance with ILO Financial Rules and Regulations. It plans, coordinates and executes major procurement processes, acquires services, equipment and goods, and provides contracting services. It also provides information, advice and training on procurement and contracting issues.

The main role of the position is to provide legal and technical support within PROCUREMENT on contracting and other procurement transactions of a low-medium volume/risk in respect of development cooperation programmes and projects.  

The position reports to the Head of the Contracting Unit under the overall guidance of the Chief, PROCUREMENT. 
 

Description of Duties

•    Provide input to the drafting of legal instruments and correspondence in relation to development cooperation funded contracts, including with respect to leases of tangible property, implementation agreements, contracts for the purchase of goods, equipment, works and/or services by headquarters units or regional/country offices.
•    Monitor and verify adherence to development cooperation agreements, which includes proposing amendments and extensions of contracts, and providing preliminary advice on contractual rights and obligations. 
•    Review and revise draft legal instruments and correspondence in relation to PROCUREMENT’s operational activities on projects and programmes in accordance with established ILO procurement and contracting standards.  
•    Review solicitation documents in relation to extra-budgetary funded ILO programmes and projects to identify legal issues and provide support on requests for tenders initiated by headquarters units or regional/country offices.
•    Assist the Head of the Contracting Unit, with the conduct and co-ordination of all phases of contractual negotiations with interested parties.
•    Provide inputs to the drafting of Office policy documentation, manuals, standard operating procedures and guidelines relating to procurement and/or contracting matters.
•    Brief staff from headquarters units and regional/country offices on the implications and applications of ILO contracting guidelines and policies related to development cooperation projects and programmes. 
•    Assist the Head of the Contracting Unit in disputes with suppliers during the implementation phase of contracts.
•    Contribute to the development and maintenance of the PROCUREMENT’s computerized tools.
•    Provide input to the preparation of training materials and participate in training exercises for field and headquarters officials with regard to the legal and financial aspects of ILO procurement and contracting. 
•    Perform other relevant duties related to extra-budgetary programmes and projects, as required.
 

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in law. Familiarity with contract law, construction law (SIA Norms, FIDIC templates or other construction industry templates), and international law would be an advantage.

Experience

Minimum of two years of professional experience in law at the national or international level.  

Languages

Excellent command of one official language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization. Working knowledge of a second official language.  One of these languages must be English.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
- Ability to analyse legal issues, write clearly and concisely, take initiative to keep up-to-date with developments in contract law, international law and procurement policy and good practices.  
- Knowledge of office financial rules and regulations and negotiated procurement procedures.  
- Absolute discretion in dealing with confidential matters.  Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and to work with non-lawyers to find solutions to legal problems.  
- Flexibility and capacity to work in a team.  
- Ability to use standard Office software applications.   
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.