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 the global aviation community to establish standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, efficiency, and environmental protection. The organization is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to enhancing global aviation standards and practices.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position within the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau (LEB) of ICAO involves providing comprehensive legal support across various workstreams. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director and the Senior Legal Officer, focusing on legal matters related to ICAO's operational activities, including the Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Program, procurement, and contracts. The role requires the ability to perform tasks independently, demonstrating initiative and effective time management. The Legal Officer will engage in legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing legal advice on a range of issues, including law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, intellectual property, and data privacy. The position also emphasizes the importance of gender equality and encourages female candidates to apply, aligning with ICAO's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of functions, including: 1) Providing legal advice on substantive and procedural questions related to ICAO’s operational activities, ensuring agreements align with ICAO's interests and international standards. 2) Conducting legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, and reports on international law topics, and assisting in the development of working papers for ICAO's governing bodies. 3) Creating opportunities for developing new client relationships and contributing to cross-functional initiatives. 4) Formulating and reviewing operational modalities, contracts, and agreements with third parties, ensuring legal compliance and risk management. 5) Handling multi-disciplinary legal matters, including the interpretation of foundational regulatory instruments and providing legal support in personnel disputes. 6) Supporting the Appeals Unit in legal matters related to personnel disputes and misconduct. 7) Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree in law or a first-level university degree in law with two additional years of qualifying experience. A minimum of five years of professional legal experience is essential, including experience in legal analysis, advice, research, and drafting legal texts. Candidates should have experience in international law, particularly in the context of international organizations, and familiarity with the status and privileges of international organizations. Desirable qualifications include experience with UN system organizations, commercial law, intellectual property law, and data privacy law, as well as completion of relevant international labor law training.

Educational Background:
An advanced level university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional legal experience, which includes working as a lawyer or counsel in relevant areas of practice. This experience should encompass legal analysis, advice, research, and drafting legal documents. Experience in international organizations or government agencies at the headquarters level is essential, along with familiarity with the legal aspects of international law and personnel disputes.

Languages:
Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English and Spanish are essential. A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is fixed-term for an initial period of three years, with the first year being probationary for external candidates. ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of international civil service. The organization offers an attractive benefits package, and the statutory retirement age for staff entering service after January 1, 2014, is 6

• The net base salary for the P-3 level is USD $70,212 per annum, plus a post adjustment of USD $23,170, which is subject to change. Interested candidates must complete an online application form through the ICAO Careers website.