Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. ICAO has 193 member states and works with various stakeholders to establish global standards and regulations for civil aviation. The organization is committed to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal
• ICAO operates in multiple countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving aviation safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position within the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau (LEB) of ICAO involves managing complex legal matters related to international air law and the International Registry. The incumbent will serve as the lead officer for the Supervisory Authority of the International Registry, providing legal advice and guidance on the implementation of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol. This role requires a deep understanding of international law, particularly in the context of civil aviation, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with various stakeholders. The Legal Officer will also be responsible for conducting legal research, preparing legal opinions, and representing the Supervisory Authority at international meetings and conferences. The position demands a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to navigate the intricacies of international treaties and agreements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as lead officer for the Supervisory Authority of the International Registry, handling complex legal matters and ensuring compliance with the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol.
• Provide legal advice on substantive and procedural questions to maintain an efficient electronic registration system.
• Monitor practices of the International Registry for conformity with regulations and conduct periodic audits.
• Act as Secretary for the Commission of Experts of the Supervisory Authority, preparing meeting documents and reports.
• Conduct extensive legal research and prepare legal opinions on topics related to international air law.
• Review and develop amendments to regulations and procedures for the International Registry.
• Manage treaty depositary work for multilateral treaties, including assessing instruments of deposit and organizing treaty events.
• Provide legal support and advice to various ICAO bodies, including the Assembly and Council, and handle administrative matters related to meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced level university degree in law, including public and private international law, air law, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Membership in a professional bar association is desirable.
• A minimum of seven years of experience in public and private international law, with at least five years in a national government or international organization, is essential.
• Experience with the Cape Town instruments and treaty depositary work is required.
• Proven ability to analyze and draft legal opinions and instruments is necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced level university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, with a focus on public and private international law, air law, or a related field. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. Membership in a professional bar association is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of public and private international law, preferably with a specialization in international air law and treaty law. At least five years of this experience should be in the service of a national government or international organization. Experience in treaty depositary work and the analysis and drafting of legal opinions is essential, along with familiarity with the Cape Town instruments and the functioning of the International Registry.

Languages:
Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are essential for this position. A working knowledge of any other official language of the Organization, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of three years, with the first year being probationary for external candidates. ICAO staff members are international civil servants and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization. The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after January 1, 2014, is 6

• The remuneration for this position includes a net base salary of USD $86,027 per annum, plus a post adjustment of USD $32,518 per annum, subject to change. ICAO offers an attractive benefits package in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). Interested candidates must complete an online application form to apply.