Legal Advisor for Health Assessment Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights of migrants are protected and that their contributions to society are recognized. IOM's mission encompasses a wide range of activities, including humanitarian assistance, development programs, and policy advocacy, all aimed at improving the lives of migrants and their communities.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor for the Health Assessment Programme (HAP) involves providing comprehensive medico-legal support to ensure operational compliance and risk mitigation across various jurisdictions. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator and the International Radiologist, collaborating closely with the Office of Legal Affairs. The role requires delivering advisory services on healthcare laws, licensing, patient rights, and regulatory frameworks. The Legal Advisor will also be responsible for reviewing contracts and agreements for legal soundness, clarifying risks through targeted assessments, and monitoring national legal frameworks. This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of HAP operations and ensuring that all activities align with legal requirements and best practices in healthcare.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Advisor will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing written and verbal responses to programmatic queries on healthcare laws and clinic operations; offering high-level interpretations of relevant laws and regulations; delivering training on medico-legal aspects to HAP managers; reviewing and commenting on contracts, agreements, policies, and client-facing documents; identifying legal risks and recommending mitigation measures; providing brief risk assessments for programmatic decisions; monitoring regulatory changes and assessing legal obligations; coordinating consultations with local lawyers; recommending legal and political strategies; developing internal guidelines and policies; overseeing administrative steps for HAP registration; ensuring effective archiving of legal records; and collaborating with HAP representatives to negotiate with key political actors to secure operational objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Law, Public International Law, Medical Law, Health Law, or a related field, with a minimum of nine years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in Law with at least seven years of relevant experience is acceptable. The ideal candidate should have professional practice in law within a UN agency, NGO, or multinational entity engaged in medical or health-related activities, and must hold a current license to practice law in at least one recognized jurisdiction. Proven expertise in legal analysis and interpretation of complex legal texts is essential, along with advisory experience in international medical and health law, including regulatory compliance and patient rights frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Law, Public International Law, Medical Law, Health Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with a University degree in Law, provided they have the requisite years of professional experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex legal frameworks that govern health assessments and medical practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the legal field, particularly within the context of health and medical law. This includes professional practice in a legal department or equivalent of a UN agency, NGO, or multinational entity. The role requires a demonstrated ability to analyze legal instruments, conduct legal research, and draft legal documents and contracts. Experience in identifying risks and proposing mitigation strategies is also essential, as is a comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations governing the medical and health sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the Philippines will be considered. The appointment will also be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and compliance with any necessary governmental authorizations. Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for IOM personnel. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. Candidates are encouraged to visit the IOM Careers website for further information and other job postings.