Deputy Director, Office of Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and its impact on individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of the Office of Legal Affairs plays a crucial role in providing legal advice and support to the Director General, Deputy Directors General, and various offices within the IOM. This position involves managing the Office of Legal Affairs, which includes overseeing legal counsel, contract law, general and administrative law, and institutional law. The Deputy Director will support the Legal Counsel in developing and implementing a strategic vision for the office, managing human and financial resources, and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks governing IOM operations. The role requires a strong understanding of international law, particularly in relation to migration and the governance of international organizations. The Deputy Director will also lead initiatives to enhance legal training for staff and improve coordination with other teams within IOM, ensuring that legal advice is effectively integrated into the organization's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Legal Counsel in managing the Office of Legal Affairs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a strategic vision for the office.
• Manage human and financial resources, including budget proposals and capacity building initiatives.
• Provide legal advice on specific matters as agreed with the Legal Counsel.
• Supervise lawyers within the Office of Legal Affairs and provide technical guidance.
• Enhance coordination with the Private Sector Partnership team and provide legal advice for the implementation of IOM’s Private Sector Engagement Strategy.
• Coordinate the review of reports from audit entities and other oversight mechanisms.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs for IOM staff.
• Oversee the Regional Legal Hubs and ensure effective collaboration among all branches of the Office. 1
• Develop and implement knowledge management systems for tracking incoming matters and record-keeping. 1
• Represent the Office at internal and external meetings and build relationships with senior managers across IOM and other UN legal offices. 1
• Act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Legal Counsel. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent higher degree in Law from an accredited academic institution.
• Fifteen years of relevant professional experience in public international law and law of international organizations.
• In-depth experience in handling legal matters related to governance and procedural frameworks of international organizations.
• Recent practicing experience in international law, particularly international humanitarian law.
• Understanding of legal issues related to migration and internal displacement is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership and performance management experience.
• Proven negotiation skills with governments and ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse individuals.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent higher degree in Law from an accredited institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A strong academic background in international law is essential, with a focus on public international law and the law of international organizations being particularly relevant for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of relevant legal experience, particularly in public international law and the governance of international organizations. Experience in handling complex legal matters, particularly those related to migration and international humanitarian law, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal frameworks governing international organizations and have a proven track record of providing legal advice in high-stakes environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an advantage. Proficiency in IOM’s official languages (English, French, and Spanish) will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the D-1 grade level. The role requires international mobility, and candidates must be medically fit for appointment. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.