Legal Advisor

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Advisor
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 3 mars 2025

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 ensure that labor standards are upheld globally, providing a platform for dialogue among governments, employers, and workers. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving working conditions and promoting rights at work. The ILO emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its staff and actively encourages applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Advisor is situated within the Office of the Legal Advisor (JUR) at the ILO. The primary responsibility of JUR is to provide legal advice and services to the ILO on matters related to its legal interests, including constitutional issues, membership quality, rules, and activities of the ILO. The Legal Advisor will assist JUR in effectively and efficiently carrying out its responsibilities in several key areas, including the protection of privileges and immunities, legal review of staff claims, internal governance, support for sessions of the International Labour Conference and the Governing Body, interpretation of international labor standards, and legal representation of the Organization in disputes with private actors. The incumbent will report directly to the Office of the Legal Advisor and is expected to engage in various legal functions that support the ILO's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the provision of legal services to the ILO's governance bodies, including the International Labour Conference and the Governing Body, by preparing drafts of documents, research notes, and legal opinions on substantive issues or the application of the Conference's Rules and the Governing Body's Regulations.
• Conduct legal research and draft written communications (responses, replies) in relation to requests submitted to the ILO Administrative Tribunal; provide legal advice on internal administrative matters such as the interpretation, application, and amendment of the Staff Regulations, the Staff Health Insurance Fund Regulations, and other internal rules.
• Assist in the filing and registration of instruments of ratification of international labor conventions and prepare certified statements for the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Draft responses to requests for interpretation of ILO rules and regulations and international labor conventions.
• Draft responses from the Office regarding issues related to the status, privileges, and immunities of the ILO and its officials, as well as related legal matters.
• Review draft agreements concerning the operational activities of the ILO and its relations with donors, beneficiaries, and suppliers, as well as legal documents related to real estate and procurement.
• Perform other relevant tasks as requested. These specific tasks complement the generic description established by the ILO for this position, which includes reviewing government reports and observations from employers' and workers' organizations regarding ratified and non-ratified conventions and recommendations, drafting notes, reports, and legal opinions on labor standards, and providing technical support to tripartite commissions established by the Governing Body.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in law with a specialization in public international law (e.g., international institutional law, international human rights law, international administrative law). A first-level university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in law, combined with two years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least five years of experience in the field of public international law. Experience in an international organization would be an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law, specifically with a focus on public international law. This includes areas such as international institutional law, international human rights law, and international administrative law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law, along with two years of relevant professional experience, may be considered sufficient.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in public international law. Experience working within an international organization is considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of either English or French, along with practical knowledge of the other language. A working knowledge of Spanish would be an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for a fixed term of twenty-four months, with the external candidate undergoing a probationary period for the first two years of their assignment. Any extension of the contract beyond the probationary period is subject to satisfactory conduct and performance. All candidates must complete an online application form through the ILO's e-Recruitment system. The recruitment process may include written assessments and interviews, which will typically occur within three to four months following the application deadline. The ILO maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and sexual abuse, ensuring that no staff member or beneficiary is victimized. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and advises candidates to be cautious of fraudulent communications.