International Legal Jobs: Principal Legal Officer, OPCW

International Legal Jobs: Principal Legal Officer, OPCW

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P5
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  12,016
• Closing Date
  20/07/2023

Responsibilities

Job Summary

We are looking for a dedicated and hardworking professional with in-depth theoretical knowledge of international law and extensive experience in the practical application of International Law, including the Law of Treaties, the Law of International Organizations and International Administrative Law.

The Principal Legal Officer has to facilitate the functioning of the OPCW in accordance with the legal regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the internal regulations of the OPCW, and international law, through the provision of legal advice and related assistance.

In this position, you will prepare and supervise the preparation of legal opinions on the interpretation and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention for the policymaking organs of the OPCW.

Main Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Legal Adviser, the Principal Legal Officer performs the following functions:

1.   Prepares and supervises the preparation of legal opinions on the interpretation and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) for the policy-making organs of the OPCW, and provides oral or written advice to States Parties upon request and authorisation.

2.   Prepares and supervises the preparation of legal opinions for other organisational units of the Technical Secretariat, and advises on matters relating to:

• the interpretation and implementation of the CWC, including its Annexes, and the decisions of the policy-making organs;
• relations with the host country and the implementation of the Headquarters Agreement;
• administrative law, including on the preparation, interpretation and implementation of the Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations and Rules, administrative directives and other administrative issuances and internal legislation.

3.  Reviews and advises (as requested) on reports of the Technical Secretariat for meetings of the policy-making organs.

4.  Supervises the Office’s input and, if requested, participates, in the preparation and negotiation of international agreements including Facility Agreements, Privileges and Immunities Agreements, relationship agreements and other agreements or arrangements.

5.  Prepares and reviews the work of other legal officers on complaints against the Organisation filed by staff members before internal bodies and the ILO Administrative Tribunal. In particular, prepares or supervises the preparation of the Organisation’s written submissions to appellate bodies. Advises on any other litigation against the Organisation. Advises on the conduct of investigations.

6.  Supervises the performance of the Data Protection function situated in the Office.

7.  Represents the Office of the Legal Adviser on internal advisory bodies at the request of the Legal Adviser or the Director-General.

8.  Assists the Legal Adviser in general management and administration of the Office, including in the preparation of the Programme and Budget of the Office, compliance with the financial and other reporting requirements, performance appraisal, recruitment of staff. Organises and prioritizes the workload and provides general coordination and supervision of assignments of legal officers.

9.  In the absence of the Legal Adviser, serve as the Acting Legal Adviser.

10.  Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in Law.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international organisations and/or government service, in the areas of International Law, Disarmament or Administrative Law;
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of the United Nations common system, including the case law of international administrative tribunals;
• Knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention would be an asset;
• Experience in the UN common system or in the OPCW would be an asset.

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