Legal Adviser

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Adviser
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 9 December 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or nationality.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Adviser is situated within the Office of the Legal Adviser at the ILO. The incumbent will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and services to the organization, ensuring that all legal interests are protected and advanced. This role involves advising on constitutional matters, membership issues, and the interpretation of international labor standards. The Legal Adviser will also represent the organization in high-level meetings and negotiations, particularly in the absence of the Legal Adviser. The position requires a deep understanding of public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the law of international organizations, as well as the ability to navigate complex legal questions that may arise in the context of the ILO's operations. The incumbent will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including other intergovernmental organizations and the academic community, to stay informed about emerging legal issues and contribute to the development of international law.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Legal Adviser in providing legal services to ILO governance organs and meetings, including coordinating amendments to Standing Orders and rules.
• Provide legal advice related to the ILO standards system, ensuring technical departments receive guidance during the examination and adoption of international labor standards.
• Assist in the preparation of the ILO’s defense before the ILO Administrative Tribunal and provide advice on internal procedures and financial regulations.
• Offer guidance on privileges and immunities of the Organization and its staff, and assist in drafting contracts and agreements.
• Help manage human and financial resources within the Office, ensuring timely delivery of work products and modernizing legal service delivery through technology.
• Represent the Organization at high-level meetings and negotiations.
• Address constitutional questions and public international law issues affecting the ILO.
• Collaborate with other intergovernmental organizations on legal matters.
• Engage with the academic community to stay updated on international law developments. 1
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Legal Adviser.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Law, preferably with a specialization in public international law and the law of international organizations. A first-level university degree in Law with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles and practices relevant to the ILO's mission.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Law is required, with a focus on public international law and the law of international organizations. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Law, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including significant experience at the international level, preferably within a UN organization. Experience in publishing legal articles or books in authoritative periodicals is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of two of the ILO's working languages (English, French, and/or Spanish) and a working knowledge of the third language is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. The successful candidate will be subject to a probationary period of two years. All appointments are contingent upon medical fitness certification by the ILO Medical Adviser. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and integrity in its hiring practices.