Introduction

The temporary position is located in the Office of the Legal Adviser (JUR). JUR provides a wide range of legal services to the Organization and its various organs (International Labour Conference, Governing Body and Secretariat).

The work is carried out by a team of nine jurists headed by the ILO Legal Adviser, which provides legal counselling and other legal support services to all departments and units (including the ILO’s Turin Training Centre) as well as to the Organization’s three constituent groups. It is responsible for protecting the legal status of the Organization and defending its interests. JUR reports directly to the Director-General.

The position reports to the Legal Adviser, JUR

Specific Duties

1. Review and comment upon draft agreements in relation to development cooperation and other operational activities of the ILO with donors, beneficiaries and suppliers, including leases for premises and procurement contracts.

2. Provide legal support services to ILO meetings and to the ILO governance organs; prepare draft documents, research notes and legal opinions.

3. Prepare draft Office informal opinions in response to requests for interpretation of international labour standards; prepare draft questionnaires/reports in relation to proposed abrogation and/or withdrawal of international labour standards.

4. Prepare draft submissions to the ILO Administrative Tribunal in response to staff complaints; prepare draft legal opinions on interpretation of the Staff Regulations, other statutory texts and internal circulars.

5. Assist with the deposit and registration of ratifications of international labour Conventions and prepare certified statements to the UN secretary-General. Prepare draft correspondence with the host country or diplomatic missions of Member States in relation to the privileges and immunities of the ILO and its officials.

6. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, with a specialization in public international law (e.g. law of international institutions, international human rights law, international administrative law). A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in law, with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least five years’ practical experience in the field of international law. Relevant experience in an international organization would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of one working language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of a second working language of the Organization. One of these languages must be English. Knowledge of a third working language would be an advantage.

Competencies

Ability to analyse legal issues, draft clearly and concisely, to prepare studies and comments, and take initiatives to keep up-to-date with new developments in public international law and administrative law.

Capacity to self-organize, prioritize assignments and work under time-pressure.

Thorough understanding of the legal and institutional specificities of the ILO’s tripartite structure and the special role and responsibilities of JUR in this context.

Ability to apply the principles of law to the analysis of a variety of subject matters requiring interrelationships between the subject under review and existing legislation and practice; advanced communication skills, oral and written.

Excellent writing skills.

Absolute discretion in dealing with confidential matters.

Flexibility and capacity to work in a team and in a multicultural environment.

Ability to use standard computer software.

Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.