Senior Legal Officer (P-4)

Principal Functions

Under the direct supervision of Principal Legal Officer, and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Legal Officer is responsible for:

 

1. PROVISION OF LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE ON ADMINISTRATIVE LAW ISSUES AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT:
   
   
   1. Research and draft legal opinions on administrative law issues (e.g., in respect of claims, allegations, and complaints; investigations; disciplinary matters), some of which are complex and/or sensitive in nature;
   2. Review or prepare legal opinions and studies as requested by the Office of the Director-General and other divisions, branches, or offices of the Secretariat on the interpretation of internal rules and procedures, such as the Financial Regulations and Rules, the Staff Regulations and Rules, relevant decisions of the Policy-Making Organs, and other internal legislation;
   3. Draft the OPCW submissions to, and appear before, the OPCW Appeals Council and/or the ILO Administrative Tribunal and research, as required, other issues in respect of recourse matters;
   4. Review or draft administrative directives and other internal legislation;
   5. Draft or review drafts of memoranda of understanding and other forms of agreement to be entered into by the Technical Secretariat relating to (1) arrangements for activities to be conducted by the Technical Secretariat (such as voluntary contributions agreements), (2) cooperation/coordination with other international organisations, and (3) the supply of goods and services;
   6. As instructed by the Director-General, conduct investigations, or provide support and advice to investigations, into alleged misconduct or other alleged violations of the OPCW’s regulations and rules and administrative instructions;
   7. Upon appointment by the Director-General, or as delegated by the Legal Adviser, serve on internal advisory bodies and committees.

 

2. PROVISION OF LEGAL ADVICE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION:
   
   
   1. Draft legal opinions on issues related to the implementation of the Convention as requested by the Office of the Director-General, the Policy-Making Organs, or their subsidiary bodies;
   2. Analyse and provide legal advice on the implementation and application of the Convention’s verification regime, as requested by the Office of the Director-General and other divisions, branches, or offices of the Secretariat;
   3. Review and assist in the negotiation of agreements with Member States relating to the implementation of the CWC verification regime and on the privileges and immunities of the OPCW;
   4. Represent the Office of the Legal Adviser in OPCW training courses and deliver lectures to the representatives of the Member States and the public on legal aspects of the CWC;
   5. Render legal advice during, and prepare documents for, consultations between Member States.

 

3. PROVISION OF LEGAL SUPPORT FOR GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE LEGAL ADVISER:
   
   
   1. Draft or review drafts of miscellaneous reports and correspondence of a legal nature, as required;
   2. Serve as panel member in the recruitment of staff for the Office of the Legal Adviser;
   3. Direct, provide training, supervise, and review the work of staff at lower levels and, as required, serve as First Reporting Officer for the purposes of performance appraisal.

 

4. PERFORM OTHER DUTIES AS REQUIRED.
   
   

   Knowledge and Experience

   Education

   Essential

   Advanced university degree in law. A first level university degree in law with at least nine years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

                

   Experience

   Essential

   At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in international organisations, government service, and/or private legal practice (or nine years with a first level university degree in law).

   
   

   Desirable

   Knowledge and/or experience in the following would be an asset: international law, disarmament law, international administrative law, and/or the legal aspects of the United Nations common system or the OPCW.

   
   

   Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

   1. Excellent communication skills – both written and oral; and good negotiation skills;
   2. Excellent legal drafting skills;
   3. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in legal research;
   4. Leadership skills, maturity, and good judgement;
   5. Strong planning and organisational skills, and ability to work under pressure of time and urgent deadlines;
   6. Flexibility and problem solving skills;
   7. Tact, discretion, and the ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment

   Language Requirements

   Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

   A good working knowledge of and the ability to conduct negotiations in one of the other official languages of the OPCW (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) would be an asset.