Counsel

The Counsel provides legal, strategic and coordination support on transversal matters across the Executive Directorate Legal Affairs (EDLA). The role involves legal analysis and advice, preparation of strategic documentation, coordination across EDLA and other parts of the Organization, and monitoring implementation of key initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and strategic support on transversal matters within EDLA including planning, coordination and monitoring of legal advisory services, governance matters and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare legal analyses, briefing notes, reports, correspondence and other documents for senior management, governing bodies and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the identification of legal and procedural issues and propose options for consideration.
• Support the coordination of cross-cutting initiatives across EDLA and with other Directorates to facilitate the timely delivery of agreed priorities.
• Contribute to monitoring progress on key initiatives and prepare status updates, as required.
• Assist in coordinating day-to-day activities relating to priority projects and institutional deliverables within the EDLA Executive Office.
• Liaise with relevant units within the General Secretariat to facilitate information-sharing and coordination on legal and institutional matters.
• Contribute to monitoring deadlines and ensuring the timely preparation of documentation.
• Support administrative and organizational processes related to the Executive Office, as required.
• Prepare legal documentation, agreements, memoranda and other instruments within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and provide legal advice within delegated responsibilities.
• Support consultations and coordination with internal stakeholders, member countries and partner organizations on legal and institutional matters.
• Contribute to the preparation of meetings, briefings and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to the implementation of specific projects, programmes and transversal initiatives assigned by the Manager.
• Monitor progress against agreed milestones and identify issues requiring attention.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to facilitate the timely delivery of assigned activities.
• Perform any other duties as may be required by the hierarchy.

Requirements

• A minimum of three to four years of completed education in law.
• A Master’s degree in Law, preferable in international law, criminal law, data protection or Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) law, would be a strong asset.
• At least five years of post-qualification legal experience as a lawyer in the field of international law and/or law of international organizations.
• Fluency of English is required (written and oral).
• Proficiency in a second official working language of the Organization (Arabic, French or Spanish) would be an additional asset.
• Self-motivated with the ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
• High analytical skills with the capacity to identify high level risks and potential liabilities and to precisely articulate the critical issues in a case.
• Ability to synthesize, analyse, and summarize complex legal and factual issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as demonstrated proficiency in working closely with and advising senior executives of an organization.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Highest standards of ethics and professional integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure and produce results on short timelines.
• Good computer skills. As a minimum proficiency in standard office word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software.
• Good social skills, particularly in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional networks.

Skills

• International Law
• Criminal Law
• Data Protection Laws
• ICT Law
• Legal Analysis
• Legal Advice
• Legal Drafting
• Risk Identification and Management
• Legal Research
• Legal Summarization
• Strategic Documentation
• Coordination
• Office Applications
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheet Software Knowledge
• Presentation Software
• Communication with Senior Executives
• Organizational Skills
• Ethics and Professional Integrity

Languages

English, Arabic, French, Spanish