Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel (internationally recruited)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments, empowers people, and strengthens institutions to realise justice and promote peace and sustainable development. IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promo ng the rule of law and access to justice.

With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, Permanent Observer Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and 18 Country Offices across the globe, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research, and the rule of law and justice programmes, operating in every region of the world.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a dynamic generalist legal practice whose overarching aim is to advance and protect the legal interests of IDLO, while mitigating risk, fostering accountability, and helping to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Organization and its governing bodies. OGC advises the entire Organization on a diverse range of legal issues. Advice is provided to the Director-General and to senior managers and Organizational committees, as well as to all departments, country offices and teams. Given the high legal and ethical standard against which an Organization that promotes the rule of law is held, OGC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that IDLO is in compliance with all applicable authorities.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

For this professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate a Fixed Term contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance, availability of funding, and needs of the Organization.

IDLO is offering an annual basic salary of EUR €60,430.- and a benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, and leave entitlements. Relocation and installation support are available for internationally recruited employees in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules. Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of 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 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.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection. In the interest of making most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline is: 10 September 2024 (23:59hrs Rome time).