Legal Advisor

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build 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.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation committed to advancing security of energy supply, economic growth and environmental sustainability through energy policy co-operation.  The IEA operates as an autonomous body within the framework of the OECD.   Both the IEA and the OECD seek opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-member countries of growing importance to the world economy. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector to economic development and environmental sustainability.

The IEA is recruiting a Legal Advisor to assist on legal matters, primarily relating to contracts (procurement and intellectual property-related), grants and general legal and institutional (internal and external) matters. Additionally, the Legal Advisor will be responsible for procurement activities linked to an EU-funded project “EU4Energy” (the Project). The selected candidate will be part of the Office of the Chief Legal Counsel (OLC), comprised of a team of enthusiastic professionals, and will report to the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. They will also be part of the Project team.

Main Responsibilities

• Review, draft and/or negotiate a wide range of procurement contracts, intellectual property (IP) licences and other legal documentation.  Ensure all contracts comply with applicable OECD and IEA internal rules, regulations, policies and procedures and cooperate with OECD colleagues in such respect. 
• Provide legal advice to internal clients and the Project team in relation to contractual issues, including those of a commercial, IP (in particular copyright and database rights), data protection/privacy, information technology (IT) law and IT security nature.
• Provide legal advice in relation to grants (financial  contributions to the IEA) including Official Development Assistance (ODA) grants and applicable internal rules impacting on grants; review, negotiate and draft documentation to obtain, implement and/or amend grants.
• Act as the Project team’s contact point for procurement of intellectual and other services, guide the Project team on procurement strategy and  prepare/review procurement-related documents (such as Terms of Reference) for the Project.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on a variety of topics, including by preparing drafts of documents, briefs or guidance notes on public international law, institutional (internal and external) and/or procedural matters, reviewing and advising on cooperative arrangements and related approval processes and attending meetings of IEA bodies when advising on particular issues under discussion.
• Assist ito develop and implement new tools and guidance to build knowledge and enable efficiencies relating to legal, institutional and procedural matters. 

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• A university degree in Law in fields related to this job specification.  Admission to practice law in one of the IEA’s Member countries and knowledge of the two main legal systems (civil and common law) would be an advantage.

Professional Background

• At least three years’ proven practical experience within a national government or an international organisation, private law firm or in-house in areas relevant to this job specification.  A longer professional experience would be an advantage.
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills (particulary in English).
• Experience identifying and analysing legal and risk-related issues and solutions that are pragmatic and legally sound.
• Experience conducting high-quality background research.
• Demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and in a small team environment, to develop strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels and from diverse cultures, to maintain high customer service quality and to meet tight deadlines.

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\: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Teamwork, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Negotiating
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen mid to end June and panel interviews are planned towards end July.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.

Contract Duration

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

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 6,672 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 that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant. 

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates [who are nationals of 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.