Legal Specialist (Two positions)

Introduction

The position is located in the Labour Protection Unit in the Application of Standards Branch (APPL) within the International Labour Standards Department (NORMES). In accordance with ILO’s Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, NORMES strives to enhance the relevance of international labour standards to the world of work and to ensure their role as a useful means of achieving the constitutional objectives of the Organization, as well as the ILO.

More specifically, NORMES is responsible for: (i) designing and implementing the ILO standards-related activities in accordance with the standards policy 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 Labour Protection Unit provides support to the ILO supervisory bodies and technical assistance to countries on a broad range of subjects covered by international labour standards, including labour administration, labour inspection, occupational safety and health, wages and working time.

The Legal Specialist will lead the substantive work in the thematic area(s) assigned by the Head of Unit and will support the Head of Unit in the management of the unit and the organisation of work.

The position will report to the Head of the Labour Protection Unit.

Description of Duties

1. In the assigned area(s) of work, prepare the work for the supervisory bodies. Ensure technical consistency in the thematic area(s), including by reviewing the work of others, under the supervision of the Head of Unit.
2. Advise constituents, including on sensitive issues, seeking guidance on political matters as necessary. Carry out detailed research and prepare technical papers to facilitate understanding of common trends in different standards-related areas.
3. Plan, organize and provide technical assistance and training to Member States, social partners and other relevant institutional partners, independently, with the aim of promoting the ratification and effective implementation of standards in the light of the supervisory bodies' comments.
4. Contribute to the development of the Unit’s work plan and the definition of its working methods.   As necessary, review the work prepared by other members of the Unit, before submission to the Head of Unit.
5. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in law.

Experience

Minimum of eight years' practical experience in labour or international law at the national level or at least six years at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of two official languages (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization. A working knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.
 

Competencies

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

Technical competencies

Ability to: design research studies and conduct comparative analyses involving the application of principles of law to the analysis of administrative, substantive and procedural problems of substantial intricacy; prepare responses to enquiries in clear and concise manner; good communication skills to explain the Office's position; keep up-to-date with new developments in the occupational area; advise and persuade colleagues and constituents on legal questions.

Behavioural competencies
Ability to: carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines; work within tight deadlines and respect confidentiality; deal with colleagues and constituents with tact and discretion. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.