Associate General Counsel

Associate General Counsel

IDLO – International Development Law Organization

Rome, Italy

THE POSITION

Under the direct supervision of the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel works collaboratively with in-house clients to solve problems, strategize, and mitigate risk; helps to ensure legal compliance and proper application of delegated authorities; and maximizes protection of IDLO’s global personnel, facilities, and operations by ensuring the availability and implementation of its privileges and immunities.

The Associate General Counsel is expected to:

• Dispense advice, directly and through the General Counsel, on a range of issues to IDLO departments, units, and offices at all levels:
  • Develop policy/legal instruments to support expansion of IDLO activities into new national jurisdictions;
  • Research and prepare legal opinions and policies relating to the functions, structure and activities of IDLO;
  • Draft, review, negotiate, implement, and apply contracts, Memoranda of Understanding, and other instruments in cooperation with internal business units;
  • Draft or revise Organizational governance documents and resolutions; interpret and apply rules of procedure; provide procedural guidance on meetings, elections, and other matters;
  • Assist in internal disciplinary investigations, internal and external dispute resolution proceedings and arbitrations, and as requested liaise with external auditors or investigators;
  • Assist as required in representing the Organization in any other legal proceedings or actions in which it is a party.
• Review and advise the Organization on legal implications of programme activities ensuring consistency with applicable law and IDLO’s legal status as an intergovernmental organization:
  • Advise programme managers and personnel on legal issues relating to programme activities, including on the application of privileges and immunities, and oversee provision of legal advice by local counsel;
  • Assist in drafting and negotiating Host Country Agreements and other legal documents to provide legal status and appropriate privileges and immunities for IDLO’s country offices;
  • Review, draft, and negotiate agreements, contracts, leases, and other legal documents in support of IDLO’s field operations;
  • Assist in developing protocols, policies, and procedures for IDLO programmes and activities;
  • Establish collaborative relationships with counterpart legal specialists, including local legal counsels, in the international organization community to gain a broad perspective on legal issues affecting international organizations.
• Assist in the revision, interpretation, and application of IDLO’s internal legal and regulatory framework:
  • Review, amend, interpret, and provide guidance on the implementation of IDLO regulations, rules, policies, and guidelines;
  • Deliver legal briefings to IDLO employees on relevant Organizational rules and policies including with respect to legal status and the responsibilities of international civil servants to promote consistent, lawful, and appropriate employee conduct;
  • Any other similar duties as may be requested by the General-Counsel.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

• A law degree with Admission to practice law, regardless of jurisdiction, is required. Specialization in international law is an advantage;
• Minimum 5 years of significant relevant professional experience working on international law matters with an international, governmental and/or multilateral organization is required;
• Substantial experience of handling corporate legal matters in a governmental or intergovernmental organization is essential.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required, working knowledge of French is highly desirable.

Specific Knowledge/Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstrated capacity as a self-starter with a proven ability to produce high-quality results, and to maintain credibility of the legal function;
• Proven ability to manage change in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment;
• Strong client-oriented approach and customer service ethics; proven ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Take initiative to share knowledge, experiences and information with others. Accept and give constructive feedback to develop and motivate others;
• Proven capacity to negotiate and resolve delicate issues in a diplomatic and balanced way;
• Excellent inter-personal skills, able to promote mutual respect and trust, and relate to people from different cultures;
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT and internet software;
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate;
• Ability and willingness to travel to IDLO’s Country Offices, as needed.

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