Director, IDLO Office, The Hague (internationally recruited)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and access to justice. IDLO has its Headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, United Nations Liaison Offices in New York and Geneva, and country offices in all regions.

The position of Director of the IDLO Hague Office is based in The Hague, The Netherlands. 

The IDLO Office in The Hague acts as a justice hub providing the organization with specialized expertise in priority thematic areas to support policy, advocacy, research and programs. The Office maintains and builds strategic diplomatic and professional relationships with The Government of the Netherlands, a member party of IDLO, and with international organizations and tribunals, and other organizations in the justice and peace community in The Hague, as well as with other current and prospective partners in Europe. 

THE POSITION

The Director of the Hague Office reports to and supports the Director-General in carrying out her responsibilities. Within the overall strategic vision and direction set by the Director-General, and in accordance with IDLO’s Strategic Plan, the incumbent will represent IDLO in The Netherlands, foster relationships with Hague-based organisations and diplomatic, justice and peace communities, as well as other current and prospective partners in Europe. The Director will supervise the work of the Hague Office, and provide leadership within the Organization, including as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The incumbent will be delegated relevant responsibilities and authorities in the following areas:

• As IDLO’s representative to the Netherlands, maintain a positive and productive relationship with the Netherlands Government.
• Identify and develop opportunities for policy and programmatic cooperation with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government institutions to promote the rule of law and people centered justice.
• Plan, develop, and implement innovative strategies and activities to raise the visibility of IDLO’s work and to build support and identify engagement opportunities with Hague-based organizations, the diplomatic, justice and peace communities, civil society and academia.
• Build and lead a team of experts and advisors in priority thematic areas, including criminal justice, anti-corruption, and digital innovation, to support policy, advocacy, programmatic and research activities across the organization.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with other current and potential partners in Europe, including the European Union, UNODC, OECD, UNESCO, etc.
• Supervise the Hague-based Program Evaluation Unit to ensure the timely completion of independent and quality evaluations of IDLO programs; and support the ongoing development of best evaluation practices, and the sharing of institutional learning based on evaluation findings and recommendations. 
• Conceptualize and implement events, optimizing the use of IDLO facilities, to champion a culture of the rule of law, encourage greater international, national and local investment in strengthening the rule of law and justice sector, and promote IDLO’s work.
• Serve as a member of the IDLO Senior Leadership Team and contribute to the development and implementation of IDLO’s vision and strategy.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of an annual program of work and budget for the Hague Office, inline with IDLO’s Strategic Plan and Management Plan, and ensure effective coordination with other departments heads and with staff in the Hague.
• Demonstrate leadership within the Hague Office by providing clear direction, fostering staff development, and implementing performance management, within a multi-cultural setting.
• Discharge other responsibilities related to the above.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education and Professional Experience

• Advanced university degree in Law, International Development, Diplomacy, Political or Social Sciences, or a related field;
• Minimum 15 years of experience in relevant senior positions of increasing scope and responsibility, including leadership experience in external relations in international development, rule of law and justice, human rights, humanitarian, or other relevant sectors;
• Solid credentials in international development and the rule of law and demonstrated commitment to the values of IDLO;
• Strong professional networks, preferably in the Netherlands and within the EU, to enable partnership building and strategic advocacy opportunities;
• Relevant experience and public presence to work with officials at a senior level in partner organizations;
• Field experience would be an asset. 

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English. Knowledge of French or Spanish would be desirable.

Skills, Knowledge and Technical Competencies 

• Strong leadership, diplomatic and advocacy skills and competencies.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commitment to gender equality, cultural diversity, and inclusive approaches.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality and timely results.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an innovative and entrepreneurial approach.
• Collaborative approach and excellent team-building capacities.
• Proficiency in all relevant technologies.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate and values.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For this internationally recruited position, IDLO will offer the selected candidate a Professional Fixed-Term Contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding, at an annual basic salary of EUR 105,400, a leave and benefits package including home leave, provident fund, and health insurance in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

Relocation, installation, expatriate and educational allowances are also available for internationally recruited employees in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. 

Salaries paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in The Netherlands. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature; or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. 

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.