Junior Legal Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization established to promote policies that improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Founded in 1961, the OECD comprises 38 member countries and serves as a platform for governments, policymakers, and citizens to collaborate on evidence-based international standards and solutions to various social, economic, and environmental challenges. The organization focuses on improving economic performance, creating jobs, fostering education, and combating international tax evasion, providing a unique forum for data analysis, experience exchange, best practices, and public policy advice.

Job Overview:
The Junior Legal Advisor will play a crucial role in assisting the co-ordination of accession discussions with candidate countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Indonesia, Peru, Romania, and Thailand. This position requires a strong aptitude for legal analysis and drafting, as well as excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, capable of processing large amounts of information while demonstrating political and diplomatic sensitivity. The role involves providing legal and procedural advice, participating in discussions with OECD bodies, and supporting the review of candidate countries' alignment with OECD legal instruments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Legal Advisor will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing legal and procedural advice to Directorates in the preparation of accession reviews of candidate countries.
• Participating in discussions of relevant OECD bodies as appropriate.
• Conducting research and offering legal advice on the interpretation of OECD legal instruments.
• Assisting in the preparation of reports and legal advice for OECD governing bodies regarding the status of accession discussions.
• Supporting negotiations with candidate countries on privileges and immunities.
• Liaising with candidate countries to provide legal and procedural advice on the accession process.
• Preparing first drafts of briefing materials and analyses for senior officials.
• Facilitating communication between candidate countries, the Secretariat, and Member countries.
• Developing guidance drafts for Directorates on legal and procedural issues. 1
• Keeping track of developments in the accession process and ensuring proper information flow among Directorates. 1
• Carrying out any other legal work as required by the Directorate.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced degree in law, such as a master's degree, with a specialization in public international law. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of professional experience, particularly in public international law. Experience in the legal department of an international organization, a ministry of foreign affairs, or a similar international environment is considered advantageous. Candidates should also demonstrate strong legal analysis and drafting skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree in law, preferably with a focus on public international law. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international legal frameworks and the specific legal instruments relevant to the OECD's work.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of professional experience is required for this position. This experience should ideally include work in public international law, with a preference for candidates who have been involved in legal departments of international organizations or similar governmental bodies. The experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate complex legal issues and contribute effectively to international legal discussions.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD, which are English and French, along with a working knowledge of the other language. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish, Bahasa, or Thai would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a 12-month fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a maximum of 36 months. The closing date for applications is midnight on 20 May 2025 (Paris time). The monthly salary starts at 5,185 EUR, with additional allowances based on eligibility, and is exempt from French income tax. The OECD is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background. The selection process may include video-recorded interviews, job-based assessments, and panel interviews, with the aim of conducting panel interviews in mid-June.