Deputy Legal Adviser

Introduction

The position is located in the Office of the Legal Adviser.

The Office of the Legal Adviser is responsible for providing legal advice and other legal services to the Organization on all matters implicating the legal interest of the Organization, including legal opinions concerning the Constitution, membership, rules and activities of the ILO. It is responsible for furthering and defending the legal interests of the Organization. All officials in the performance of their functions are expected to seek legal advice and any necessary legal services on all such matters. The Legal Adviser reports to the Director-General and directs the Office of Legal Services.

Based on the overall guidance and instructions of the Legal Adviser, the incumbent will be expected to become familiar with all aspects of the work of the Office of the Legal Adviser. They will replace the Legal Adviser when he is absent or not available and may be called on to provide advice on the legal aspects of delicate and complex questions of a policy nature affecting the Organization and its major organs, as well as questions of a strictly confidential nature relating to personnel, financial and other matters.

Under the general supervision of the Legal Adviser, the incumbent will be required to participate in all tasks within the competence of the Office of the Legal Adviser, as set out in Office Directive IGDS No 226 on the Office of the Legal Adviser.

Description of Duties

1.    Support the Legal Adviser in providing legal services to the ILO governance organs and meetings. In particular, coordinate preparation of amendments to the applicable Standing Orders and rules. In the absence of the Legal Adviser, provide legal advice to these organs, act as representative of the Director-General at the Governing Body or the representative of the Legal Adviser of the Conference.

2.    Support the Legal Adviser in providing legal advice in relation to the ILO standards system. In particular, ensure that technical departments receive advice and guidance in relation to the preparatory stages leading to the examination and adoption of international labor standards work (questionnaires, conclusions, formal and informal instruments); represent the Legal Adviser in the internal drafting committees and in the Drafting committee of the Conference; prepare the authentic texts; examine the validity of all ratifications and denunciations of Conventions; prepare the Office informal opinions on the meaning of international labor standards; provide legal advice on the implementation of the procedures set forth in the Constitution and in the compendium of rules applicable to the Governing Body. 

3.    Support the Legal Adviser in the overall supervision of work in the following areas: preparation of the ILO’s defense before the ILO Administrative Tribunal in English or French, advice to the Human Resources Development Department on internal procedures, interpretation, application and amendment of the Staff Regulations; advice to the financial services on issues relating to the interpretation and application of the ILO Financial Regulations and Rules; advice to the Director-General on legal aspects of pensions questions; legal services to the International Training Center.

4.    Provide direction and guidance to officials in relation to questions relating to the privileges and immunities of the Organization and its staff both in Switzerland and in Italy as regards the International Training Center of the ILO under the respective headquarters agreements as well as in other Member States where the ILO has offices or development cooperation projects; the drafting and interpretation of contracts and agreements entered into the ILO of both a private and public law nature, including agreements for the execution of development cooperation contracts.

5.    Assist the Legal Adviser with the management of the human and financial resources of the Office of the Legal Adviser determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion and timely delivery of work products in accordance with results-based management principles. Assist the Legal Adviser in modernizing the delivery of legal services across the Office, through the optimal use of information technology to put in place a secure and easy to use filing/archive system, information sharing and collaborative spaces with other units to enhance the delivery of legal services, in line with the general policy guidelines of the Office. Assist the Legal Adviser in developing a sound use of emerging technologies for the delivery of legal services, in line with the rules of the Office, bearing in mind the guidance arising from the UN system. Assist the Legal Adviser in ensuring a harmonious working environment and helping staff members to achieve their potential. 

6.    Represent the Organization at high-level meetings and negotiations and, in the absence of the Legal Adviser, in proceedings before the Administrative Tribunal.

Description of Duties

7.    Assist the Legal Adviser in managing issues arising in other areas including constitutional questions (relating for example to the Membership of the Organization) and general questions of public international law relating more particularly to the law of international organizations and the law of treaties and their implications on the ILO constitutional procedures, institutional law and in general its status as subject of international law. 

8.    Build synergies with other intergovernmental organizations to collaborate on legal questions and developments in key areas of responsibility of the Office of the Legal Adviser, including in relation to the elaboration and drafting of ILO standards.

9.    Engage with the academic community in a regular manner to keep abreast of topical and emerging issues in international law and ensure the contribution of the ILO legal expertise to broader developments of international law. 

10.    Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Legal Adviser.

Desirable Profile

The set of qualifications below are indicative of the type of education, experience, language skills and competencies expected for this position.

Education

Advanced university degree in Law (Master’s or equivalent) with specialization preferably in public international law and the law of international organizations.   A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Law with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including at the international level preferably in an international organization of the UN system. The publication of books or articles in authoritative legal periodicals on relevant subjects would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of two working languages (English, French and/or Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of the third one.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies:

Demonstrated sound political judgment and capacity to work well in a tripartite context. Demonstrated experience and expertise in delivery of legal advice and strategic vision and leadership in carrying out the objectives and policies of the ILO.
Ability to contribute effectively as a member of the management team on organizational issues and organizational priorities and ten years of experience in managing teams
Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills with the ability to represent the ILO in various fora. Decision-making skills. Excellent problem-solving skills.
Independent judgment and capacity for critical analysis.
Strong interpersonal skills, tact, discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the Legal Adviser and ensure the cohesion of the team. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender sensitive and non–discriminatory behavior and attitudes.