Senior Legal Officer (P-4)

Job Posting Organization:
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is an international organization established to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CTBTO's mission is to set up a global verification system to monitor compliance with the treaty, which prohibits all nuclear weapon test explosions. The organization is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and operates a network of 337 monitoring stations worldwide, along with an international data center and a system for on-site inspections. The CTBTO was established to ensure that nuclear testing is effectively monitored and that the treaty's provisions are upheld, contributing to global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization employs a diverse workforce and promotes values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, encouraging qualified female applicants and persons with disabilities to apply. The CTBTO aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, reflecting its commitment to international cooperation and the rule of law.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer (P-4) position is situated within the Legal Services Section of the Legal and External Relations Division at the CTBTO. The role involves providing comprehensive legal support and advice on various matters related to the organization's operations, particularly concerning the CTBT. The Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for preparing legal briefs on procedural and substantive issues, reviewing and interpreting staff regulations, and providing legal advice on financial regulations and procurement issues. This position requires a deep understanding of public international law and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. The Senior Legal Officer will also engage in drafting, negotiating, and concluding agreements with States Signatories and other international organizations, ensuring that all legal aspects are thoroughly addressed. The role demands a proactive approach to dispute resolution, including preparing submissions for appeals and other administrative proceedings. The Senior Legal Officer will represent the Legal Services Section in various meetings and working groups, contributing to the organization's strategic goals and legal compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Legal Officer include:

• Preparing legal briefs on procedural or substantive matters pending in the Preparatory Commission or its subsidiary bodies, focusing on public international law relevant to the CTBT.
• Reviewing, interpreting, and providing legal advice on the development, implementation, and application of staff regulations, rules, and administrative issuances.
• Advising on financial regulations and rules, including procurement issues and the drafting, negotiation, and interpretation of commercial contracts.
• Providing legal advice and substantive input in the drafting, negotiation, and conclusion of agreements with States Signatories and other international organizations.
• Offering legal advice in dispute resolution processes, including preparing submissions for appeals and other proceedings involving administrative decisions.
• Representing the Legal Services Section in meetings, working groups, internal bodies, and task forces as required.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Legal Services Section.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in international law or a related field of law.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant working experience in the legal field, preferably in a legal department of an intergovernmental organization or national administration.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in an international setting, with a focus on public international law.
• Proven experience in advising on administrative law in personnel or procurement-related matters within an international organization of the United Nations Common System.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret rules, policies, and procedures accurately.
• Proven experience in preparing legal drafts with attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Demonstrated ability to show political sensitivity, tact, and excellent judgment in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and interact constructively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of rules and procedures in other international organizations is desirable. 1
• Eligibility for admission to the practice of law in a national jurisdiction is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international law or a related field of law. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of legal principles, particularly those relevant to international law and the operations of intergovernmental organizations. The degree should be from an institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least seven (7) years of relevant working experience in the legal field. This experience should be gained in a legal department of an intergovernmental organization or within a national administration. Importantly, at least two (2) years of this experience must be in an international setting, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of public international law and the specific legal frameworks governing international organizations. Experience in advising on administrative law, particularly in personnel or procurement-related matters, is essential, as is familiarity with administrative appeals or dispute settlement processes.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English at the level of mother tongue are essential for this position. The ability to communicate effectively is critical, given the international nature of the organization and the diverse stakeholders involved. Knowledge of other official CTBTO languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is desirable and would be an asset in facilitating communication with a broader range of partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term Appointment, and the successful candidate will be expected to report as soon as possible. The CTBTO offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission. The salary may be subject to deductions for the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and/or Health Insurance Scheme. All applications must be submitted through the CTBTO e-Recruitment system before the stated deadline. Incomplete applications or those submitted in formats other than the CTBTO Employment Information Form will not be considered. The CTBTO retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy or to appoint at a lower grade if the candidate does not meet the required qualifications. Additionally, the organization reserves the right to modify the job description or offer a contract for a shorter duration than indicated in the vacancy announcement.