Principal Legal Officer

About us

The Office of the Legal Adviser provides legal advice and support to the Director-General, the Divisions and Branches of the Secretariat, and States Parties on a wide range of legal issues. In doing so, the Office ensures that the Organisation’s activities are conducted in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and relevant rules, policies and agreements.

The primary responsibility of the Office is to assist in the interpretation and implementation of the CWC, the decisions and rules of procedure of the policy-making organs, the internal legislation of the Organisation, and various sources of public international law.

The Office advises on commercial matters, the development of new internal administrative policies and procedures, and personnel-related administrative issues. Its legal services include assistance in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating international agreements and interpretation of the Headquarters Agreement between the OPCW and the Host Country.

Job Summary

• Are you highly proficient in, and have profound knowledge of International Law?
• Join our Office of Legal Adviser at OPCW in leading role!
• We are looking for a dedicated and a hardworking professional with knowledge and practical application of International Law, including the Law of Treaties, the Law of International Organisations and International Administrative Law.
• The Principal Legal Officer has to facilitate the functioning of the OPCW in accordance with the legal regime of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the internal regulations of the OPCW, in providing legal advice and related assistance.
• In this position you will prepare and supervise the preparation of legal opinions on the interpretation and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention for the policy-making organs of the OPCW. In addition, you will provide advice to States Parties.

Main Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Legal Adviser, as the Principal Legal Officer you will be responsible to prepare and to supervise the preparation of legal opinions for other organisational units of the Technical Secretariat. You will participate in the preparation and negotiation of international agreements including Facility Agreements, Privileges and Immunities Agreements. In addition, you will assist the Legal Adviser in general management and administration of the Office. What is more, you will represent the Office of the Legal Adviser on internal advisory bodies.

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Qualifications and Experience
Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in Law, in addition to a first degree in Law.

Knowledge and Experience
Essential:

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international organisations and/or government service, in the areas of International Law, Disarmament or Administrative Law;
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of the United Nations common system, including the case law of international administrative tribunals;
• Experience in the UN common system or in the OPCW would be an asset.

Skills and Competencies
You have profound knowledge of international law and extensive experience in the practical application of International Law, including the Law of Treaties, the Law of International Organizations and International Administrative Law. You will be able to use your skills in legal writing, and your ability to independently prepare legal briefs, opinions, and related documents. You know how to place team agenda before your personal agenda. You are able to be a leader that other people want to follow. What is more, good interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, tact and discretion, ability to establish and to maintain collaborative and effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment are a prerequisite to be successful in this role.

Languages
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.