VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):
External
Application Deadline:
02-11-2023
Grade:
Grade 7
Job Category:
ProfessionalGrade 7
Contract Type:
Fixed-term
Annual Salary:
CHF94116
The recruitment policy of the WTO is to seek to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, the WTO gives full regard to merit and diversity.
The Office of the Legal Counsel (reporting to the Director-General) seeks a Legal Officer.
This is an External Vacancy Notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.
This is a fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension.
The Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) is responsible for institutional and operational legal matters, covering Staff Regulations/Rules, Financial Regulations/Rules, the Headquarters Agreement, the Marrakesh Agreement, Host State Agreements, and other agreements relevant to the Organization's functioning. OLC provides legal advice to the Director-General, Senior Management, the Administration and General Services Division, Human Resources Division, and several WTO entities. OLC provides legal clearance for procurement contracts, Memoranda of Understanding/agreements, staff policies, and other administrative acts. OLC represents the Director-General and the WTO in legal matters before administrative bodies, international tribunals, international arbitration, and Swiss/national authorities.
General Functions
Under the supervision of the Legal Counsel, the incumbent will fulfil the following functions:
1. Conduct legal research and analysis and prepare legal opinions on a wide range of public administration law issues, covering institutional and operational matters.
2. Draft, negotiate, review, and advise on agreements between the Organization and governments, international organizations, persons, and commercial entities; as well as other legal documents.
3. Assist the Legal Counsel in representing the Organization in disputes involving staff members, consultants, contractors, or external entities, including in international arbitration proceedings.
4. Contribute to the daily work of the Office and perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Advanced university degree in law. Studies in public international law, diplomatic law, or international administrative law would be an advantage. A licence or eligibility to be licensed to practice law in at least one municipal jurisdiction is required.
Knowledge and Skills:
Technical Knowledge and Skills:
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Excellent research, drafting, and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail, enabling thorough and comprehensive legal analysis.
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Command of international administrative law, including privileges and immunities of International Organizations and international civil servants.
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Ability to present thoughts in a logical, succinct, and coherent manner, both orally and in written form, under time pressure.
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Knowledge of functioning of international organizations and adjudicative processes in domestic and international jurisdictions. Familiarity with the ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) jurisprudence would be an advantage.
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Knowledge and understanding of contract law principles, and ability to identify legal risks and ensure compliance with applicable legal frameworks.
Behavioural Skills:
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Ability to effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
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Highly developed tact and discretion and the ability to adhere rigorously to rules of conduct ensuring confidentiality, impartiality, and an absence of conflicts of interest.
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Ability to work independently as well as cooperate with others in a diverse international setting.
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Ability to persuade others through sound advice while remaining flexible and open to different points of view and evolving approaches.
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Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with colleagues.
Work Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required.
Languages:
Fluency in English is essential (minimum C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). Good working knowledge of French and Spanish (minimum B2 level) is desirable.
Additional Information:
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted.
The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.
For non-entry level positions, the position may be offered at a lower grade if the selected candidate does not fully meet all the required qualifications.
The initial fixed-term contract shall be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy.
The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks.
Applicants may be required to sit a written examination.
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.
Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement.
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
The WTO is a non-smoking environment.