Legal Officer (2 Positions), The Hague

Principal functions

Under the supervision of the Legal Advisor, the incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Provides tailor-made legal assistance to States Parties in implementing their obligations under Article VII of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), inter alia:

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Provides written and oral advice to National Authorities/legislators in States Parties on CWC obligations and on the different legislative and regulatory approaches to national implementation;

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Evaluates and assesses national implementing measures in force in States Parties, and reviews draft national implementing legislation and regulations submitted to the Office of the Legal Adviser (LAO) and provide comments and advice thereto;

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Participates and serves as panellist, in technical assistance visits, training courses and legal workshops conducted in States Parties or at the headquarters;

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Conducts bilateral meetings with States Parties to discuss national implementation-related issues;

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Formulates and develops new initiatives and legal tools to assist States Parties with their implementation process;

2. Provides legal advice or information within the Technical Secretariat and to the Policy Making Organs regarding the status of implementation of Article VII of the CWC, inter alia:

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Prepares annual reports to the Policy Making Organs on the status of implementation of Article VII of the CWC;

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Provides information within the Technical Secretariat on national implementation, as required;

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Participates during informal consultations on Article VII-related issues and assist the Legal Adviser and the Facilitator in this regard;

3. Performs administrative tasks related to Article VII implementation, inter alia:

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Maintains internal databases and Article VII-related folders up-to-date;

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Registers Article VII(5) submissions made by States Parties;

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Drafts, sends and files correspondence to States Parties, such as notes verbales, letters, and e-mails;

4. Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and skills

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University degree in Law, preferably with specialisation in International Law; a Masters in Criminal Law, Trade Law or International Security is an asset;

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Excellent communication skills – both written and oral; good negotiation skills;

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Proficiency in legal drafting skills;

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Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research;

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A well developed sense of judgement;

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Ability to plan and organise, and to work under pressure of time and urgent deadlines;

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Flexibility and problem solving skills;

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Tact and discretion;

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Ability to work in a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;

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Availability for extensive travels.

Experience

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At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in an international organisation or government, with emphasis on International Law; or 4 years of experience without a Masters.

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Experience in national implementation of international treaties, at either the international or national level, would be an asset;

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Previous experience with Member States of international organisations is desirable;

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Knowledge or experience in the legal aspects of the UN common system or in the OPCW would be an asset.

Languages

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Fluency in English and in French or Spanish, is essential; a good working knowledge of Arabic or Russian is an asset;

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Ability to draft and to conduct negotiations in English and in French or Spanish is essential; in Arabic or Russian is an asset.

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Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 January 2011