Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency established to eradicate rural poverty and hunger. IFAD focuses on investing in rural people, financing programs and projects that enhance agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes. The organization advocates for policies that contribute to rural transformation at local, national, and international levels. IFAD operates globally, with a mission to mobilize resources for agricultural development in its Member States, and is governed by a President who oversees its operations and staff.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant position is designed to provide comprehensive communications, operational, and administrative support services to enhance the workflow and management of the Office of the General Counsel (LEG) at IFAD. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing advance draft legal instruments and documents, ensuring compliance with the Agreement Establishing IFAD, and assisting in the development of legal databases and tracking systems. The role requires specialized paralegal functions, including legal research, proofreading, and drafting skills. The Legal Assistant will work closely with the Deputy General Counsel and Senior Legal Officer to ensure the smooth operation of LEG and to provide proactive, creative legal advice while identifying and mitigating potential risks in legal and project-related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Assistant include:

• Communications & Workflow: Organizing and facilitating communications within LEG, screening incoming legal documentation, managing emails and calls, preparing initial drafts of legal documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining filing systems.
• Operational Support: Coordinating project-related documentation, adapting internal procedures, monitoring work progress, organizing meetings and workshops, and managing travel arrangements.
• Administrative Support: Preparing briefing materials, drafting responses to inquiries, ensuring timely submissions of reports, and reviewing outgoing correspondence for accuracy and compliance.
• Managerial Functions: Ensuring integrity and transparency in managing IFAD resources, including equipment and supplies, and supporting the supervisor in various complex matters.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma as a minimum educational qualification. Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of progressively relevant experience, particularly in secretarial and administrative tasks. Experience in a legal division or department, as well as familiarity with legal instruments, is highly desirable. Knowledge of sovereign and non-sovereign matters is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is required for this position. Additional qualifications or certifications in legal studies or related fields may be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of progressively relevant experience, with a strong background in secretarial and administrative tasks. Experience specifically within a legal division or department, as well as familiarity with legal instruments, is highly desirable. This experience should demonstrate the ability to handle complex legal documentation and support legal processes effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required level of 4 (Excellent). Desirable languages include French, Spanish, or Arabic at a level of 3 (Good), and knowledge of Italian is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national role, and applicants must be legally authorized to live and work in Italy at the time of application. The job offer is contingent upon the candidate's ability to maintain legal status in the country. IFAD emphasizes equal opportunity and does not discriminate based on various factors, including ethnicity, gender, or disability. The organization also has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background. The recruitment process may involve a screening assessment and interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. IFAD does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.