Head of the Office of General Legal Affairs

The OECD is a global economic forum working with 38 member countries and more than 100 emerging and developing economies to make better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The Organisation provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems.

The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is an intergovernmental agency which operates under the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). It facilitates co-operation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructures to seek excellence in nuclear safety, technology, science, related environmental and economic matters and law. The mission of the NEA is to assist its 34 member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international co‑operation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for a safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. It strives to provide authoritative assessments and to forge common understandings on key issues as input to government decisions on nuclear technology policies.

The NEA is looking for a highly experienced professional with high legal qualifications and relevant experience in the field of law to serve as the Head of the Office of General Legal Affairs, under the supervision of the Director-General and the close coordination with the Deputy Director-General for Management and Planning. As a member of the management team of the NEA, s/he will provide legal advice to the senior leadership team and heads of NEA Divisions to achieve the overall objectives of the Agency as well as contributing to the advancement of the Strategic Orientations established by the OECD Secretary-General.

Main Responsibilities

Coordination and leadership

• Provide strategic input to the preparation and execution of the work activities of the Office of General Legal Affairs and implement the main sectorial goals and objectives identified in NEA’s Strategic Plan.
• In close coordination with the Deputy Director-General for Management and Planning, supervise and coordinate the legal work related to internal matters, including the units dealing with staff matters, financial and budgetary matters, procurement, grants, cooperation arrangements, privileges and immunities, personal data protection, and intellectual property. Directly manage priority files, ensuring thorough analysis and delivery of timely advice within time constraints.
• Advise the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General for Management and Planning and senior managers of the Agency on legal issues related to the operation of the Agency (particularly corporate and administrative matters), its status and activities, including co-operation with other organizations, institutions and non-members.
• Advise the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General for Management and Planning and senior managers of the Agency on legal issues related to NEA sponsored international co-operation projects, including the negotiation/re-negotiation, drafting, signing and implementation of international agreements.
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact with OECD senior managers, particularly those of the Directorate for Legal Affairs, regarding all legal matters related to the operation and responsibilities of the Agency.
• Draft documents having legal significance.
• Ensure co-ordination with other units of the NEA for horizontal activities and, as appropriate, with other departments of the OECD.
• Undertake other tasks as may be required by the Director-General and the Deputy Director-General for Management.

Management

• Manage and lead an international team of professionals to high performance standards in the provision of legal advice and support to all areas of the Agency to ensure that its activities are conducted in accordance with applicable agreements, rules, governing policies and relevant jurisprudence. Ensure the delivery of high-quality work within set deadlines, effective working methods, a constructive working atmosphere and good communication.
• Ensure optimal utilization of available resources to meet the commitments of the Office of General Legal Affairs in the conduct of its work.
• Participate actively as a member of the Management Team of the Agency.

Liaison and co-ordination

• Represent the NEA, as required, in meetings of the governing bodies of the Organisation and other OECD bodies and internal boards to defend NEA interests and programme perspectives.

• Represent, as appropriate, the NEA in external meetings and conferences

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background

• An advanced university degree in law, preferably in the field of international law, corporate law or business law.

Professional Background

• At least eight, preferably ten years professional experience of law practice, of which preferably five years acquired in an international organization, with significant experience in international law and contract law, including managerial responsibilities.
• Experience in the implementation of a programme of work, would be a desirable  addition to the strategic, analytical and management competencies.
• Management experience, preferably within a multi-cultural environment; excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to ensure teamwork and to motivate staff.
• The capability to maintain constructive working relationships with national authorities and experts as well as the ability to co-ordinate and, as appropriate, co-operate with other international organisations in matters related to the Agency’s corporate and administrative matters, and international co-operation projects.
• Imagination and creativity with regard to structuring and facilitating current and potential new areas of work in the programmatic divisions of the Agency.
• Confirmed ability to communicate orally and to produce high quality drafts of legal instruments, opinions and working documents.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Managing resources, Teamwork and Team leadership, Achievement focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Strategic networking.
• Please also refer to the level 4 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• Two year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers 

• Monthly base salary starting from 9 198 EUR plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Please note, the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen mid-December – 1^st week of January 2023. Panel interviews are planned for 1^st week of February 2023.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of NEA or OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.