Header

Legal Officer

OPEN TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CANDIDATES
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Reference Code: VN2015/81(P)-EXT
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM has a proactive recruitment policy to increase the representation of nationals of non- represented member states. Qualified applicants from the following countries will be favorably considered:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Czech Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, El Salvador, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guyana, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Montenegro, Micronesia, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Republic of Congo, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Somalia, Suriname, Swaziland, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen
Applications from qualified female candidates are especially encouraged.
Context:
The Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) provides advice and input to the Director General (DG) on all legal issues facing the Organization and their related policy implications. LEG ensures that the functioning of the Organization is within its mandate and in accordance with international law. LEG provides legal support on all activities of the Organization, thereby contributing to the achievement of all aspects of the IOM strategy. Within LEG, LEGHR – Staff Legal Issues is responsible for all HR-related legal issues.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Legal Counsel and the direct supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGHR), the successful candidate will be accountable and responsible for assisting in providing legal advice, recommendations, and services related to the legal status, constitution, functions, rules, and activities of the Organization.
*Core Functions / Responsibilities:*
  1. Prepare draft responses to inquiries related to the interpretation and application of IOM Unified Staff Regulations and Rules and official Instructions, as well as personnel-related questions generally.
  2. Review documentation in staff misconduct cases, assist in advising whether cases should be pursued as disciplinary cases and, in such cases, provide advice on, and support to, the appropriate procedure.
  3. Conduct research on the jurisprudence of the International Labour Organization Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT) on assigned topics and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence.
  4. Provide legal advice on staff grievances of limited scope and, where appropriate, advise on means to informally resolve such cases.
  5. Prepare drafts or sections of the Administration's submissions for staff appeals to the Joint Administrative Review Board (JARB) and the ILOAT.
  6. Review IOM official Instructions, particularly those involving personnel and insurance issues.
  7. Assist in advising individual IOM offices on privileges and immunities, particularly concerning complaints brought by IOM staff members under local labour law systems and attempts by local authorities to detain or subpoena staff members.
  8. Assist in substantive preparations for, and follow up on, internal and external meetings and conferences relevant to the Office of Legal Affairs.
  9. Provide general legal advice as necessary on issues of limited scope relating to the functions, structure, activities, and legal status of IOM.
  10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
*Required Competencies*
****Behavioural****
  • Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;
  • Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;
  • Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;
  • Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;
  • Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
  • Displays mastery of subject matter;
  • Contributes to a collegial team environment;
  • Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;
  • Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
  • Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.
****Technical****
  • Effectively provides sound and clear legal advice using knowledge of IOM mandate, privileges and immunities, and other relevant internal and external regulations and laws;
  • Effectively represents IOM on legal issues with Member States and International Organizations;
  • Adapts best human resources practices to the requirements of IOM to facilitate the achievement of strategic objectives;
  • Anticipates and understands internal and external issues and opportunities that may impact the human resources landscape of IOM.
*Required Qualifications and Experience*
****Education****
  • Master’s degree (or higher) in law from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
  • University degree in the above field with four years of relevant professional experience.
****Experience****
  • Professional legal experience required;
  • Professional experience must include at least six months of practicing law in an intergovernmental organization providing legal advice on human resources matters;
  • The following additional experience will be an advantage: (a) developed research skills and knowledge of the ILOAT or UNAT/UNDT jurisprudence; (b) knowledge of the staff conditions of service under the IOM system or UN common system; (c) experience with privileges and immunities of an intergovernmental organization and its staff as they relate to terms and conditions of employment and detention/subpoena of staff.
****Languages****
Fluency in English and working knowledge of a second IOM official language (French or Spanish) is required. Working knowledge of a third IOM/UN official language is an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by September 11, 2015 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
For further information, please refer to:
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly filled in and submitted with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for
applications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application in your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.
Posting period:
From 28.08.2015 to 11.09.2015
Requisition: VN 2015/81 (P) - Legal Officer (P2) - Geneva, Switzerland (54679074) Released
Posting: VN 2015/81 (P) - Legal Officer (P2) - Geneva, Switzerland (54679075) Released