Chief of Section – General Legal Affairs

General Background

The OEC: The Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) is an international intergovernmental organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

The main functions of the Department of Legal Affairs (DELA) are to:

a. Provide legal advice to the General Assembly, the Council of Member States, the Conference of Associate Members, and the Secretariat as well as any meeting or body convened by the OEC;
b. Provide legal advice on questions arising from the OEC Constitutive Charter, its regulations, its privileges and immunities;
c. Provide legal advice on the conclusion and application of agreements with Member States, Associate Members, or other organisations, and on contracts to which the OEC is a party;
d. Represent the OEC in dispute resolution proceedings;
e. Assist in the drafting and application of standard-setting instruments, conventions, treaties, and agreements;
f. Exercise depositary functions on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Role Summary

Under the overall authority of the Secretary-General and the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel, the Chief of Section is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and administration of the Section of General Legal Affairs. They are also charged, under the guidance of the Legal Counsel, with the provision of the appropriate legal support to the Secretariat and other organs of the Organisation to protect its interests and ensure the legal compliance of its operations. This position provides the unique opportunity of joining the team of a new international organisation, contributing to its lasting construction and influencing its future trajectory.

Duties

• Support the Organisation’s procurement activities through the corresponding drafting and review of contractual arrangements;
• Make arrangements for the prevention and efficient resolution of disputes, controversies, and claims by or against the Organisation in relation to procurement activities, and appropriate mode of settlement for claims arising out of contracts or of a private law character;
• Support in the drafting of bilateral cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding;
• Provide advice to the Department of Administration and to the Bureau of Human Resources Engagement in the development of processes and guidelines;
• Carry out administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section;
• Plan and over the management of activities undertaken by the Section, ensuring their discharge in a timely fashion;
• Perform other duties as requested.

Competencies

• Demonstrated professional competence and expertise;
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills with a proven track record,
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, with great attention to detail;
• Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment and deal with cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Ability to withstand and work effectively under pressure.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of law practice;
• At least 3 years of work experience in or providing advise to international and/or regional organisations or multinational bodies;
• Bachelor of Laws (or higher)

Language Requirements

Candidate must at least be fluent in English and additional knowledge of one or more other official languages (French, Arabic, Spanish) is an asset.

Apply

This position is open to international applicants.
All applications must be sent to HRE@OEC-OCE.ORG and must include:

1. Subject line: “DELA GLA – Application”
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Letter of Motivation
4. Any other relevant information