Associate Legal Officer

The Associate Legal Officer provides comprehensive legal research, analysis, and drafting support across the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) at WIPO. The role supports legal advice in public international law, treaty law, administrative law, and contract law, assisting in safeguarding the legal interests of the Organization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support the work of all three Sections in providing legal advice in the areas of public international law, treaty law, administrative law and contract law.
• Assist with tasks relating to the depository functions of international treaties and agreements administered by the Organization, through the preparation of treaty-action notifications, the updating of information relating thereto, and the maintenance of records.
• Assist with the review and processing of requests by intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations for permanent observer status in the Organization and the provision of requisite information to Member States, including the preparation of documents for the admission of new observers.
• Contribute to the resolution of legal questions relating to the interpretation and application of the Staff Regulations and Rules and to disputes as to their application.
• Assist in the preparation of pleadings and other documents for submission to the WIPO Appeal Board and the ILO Administrative Tribunal.
• Support the process of annual reporting on matters pertaining to WIPO's administration of justice system.
• Contribute to the review and clearance of agreements, memoranda of understanding and partnership arrangements concluded between the Organization and governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations as well as other public or private entities.
• Support the provision of legal advice relating to operational activities of the Organization, including information technology and digital transformation initiatives, data governance, procurement, property management and financial matters, to ensure compliance of WIPO's activities with its regulatory framework.
• Perform other tasks in the area of competence as required.

Requirements

• First-level university degree in law.
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law, administrative law, or commercial law.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience, including experience in legal research and drafting, and providing legal analyses and/or advice in a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or international organization.
• Relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: public international law, treaty law, the law of international organizations, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law.
• Experience working in an international organization, public administration, or judicial institution.
• Experience supporting dispute resolution processes.
• Experience reviewing contracts, partnership agreements or institutional governance documentation.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in other UN languages.
• Good working knowledge of French.
• Proficiency in legal research databases, document management systems and digital productivity tools.
• Ability to leverage technology to support legal research, analysis and drafting, and adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining accuracy, sound judgment and confidentiality.
• Broad understanding of public international law, administrative law, and contract law.
• Good knowledge of the legal issues related to the governance and constitutional/treaty basis of international organizations and/or their internal justice systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to conduct comprehensive legal research independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, precise, and well-reasoned legal texts and opinions.
• Flexibility and team spirit.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure, adapt to shifting priorities across the three Sections and respect deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Good understanding of the legal procedures and regulatory frameworks applicable to the United Nations common system or similar international organizations.

Skills

• Legal Research
• Legal Drafting
• Legal Analysis
• Public International Law
• Administrative Law
• Contract Law
• Treaty Law
• Dispute Settlement
• Reviewing Contracts
• Partnership Agreements
• Institutional Governance Documentation
• Legal Advice
• Legal Procedures
• Regulatory Frameworks
• Legal Research Databases
• Document Management
• Productivity Tools
• Legal Writing
• Oral Communication
• Legal Technology Adaptation

Languages

English, French