Legal Officer, ODED/LEG

Organizational context The International Trade Centre (ITC) aims to transform trade and change lives by assisting developing countries with trade and investment opportunities. The Legal Office, within the Office of the Executive Director, safeguards ITC's legal interests and ensures compliance with its legal framework. It provides legal advice and assistance to uphold the rule of law and protect the organization's rights and interests. Job purpose The Legal Officer will provide expert legal advice and handle complex legal matters across various disciplines, including international, public, private, and administrative law. This role involves extensive legal research, analysis, and drafting of opinions, briefs, contracts, and agreements. The incumbent will advise on diverse substantive and procedural questions, support negotiations, and assist in settling claims and disputes. Responsibilities include interpreting and applying staff regulations, reviewing policies, and representing the organization in arbitral and administrative proceedings. The role also entails coordinating legal teams, mentoring junior officers, and contributing to the development of legal instruments and policies, ensuring all activities align with ITC's legal framework and objectives. Responsibilities Serve as a lead officer on complex legal matters, including international, public, private, and administrative law. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, and correspondence. Provide legal advice on diverse and complex substantive and procedural questions, including administration, management, procurement, and contracts. Draft and review complex contracts, agreements, and legal documents, developing new legal modalities as needed. Advise on and participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes. Provide legal counsel on staff regulations and rules, review administrative decisions, and advise on policy amendments. Represent the organization in arbitral and administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases and staff appeals. Coordinate and direct legal teams, mentor junior officers, and contribute to the design of legal instruments and policies. Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in a relevant field combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative. Work experience A minimum of seven years of relevant professional legal experience, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Experience with UN/Member State/EU funding agreements and MOUs is desirable. Experience managing multinational teams in an international organization and analyzing/recommending improvements for legal business processes is also desirable. Skills Professionalism, strong analytical and legal research skills, proficiency in legal writing, ability to handle complex legal issues, negotiating skills, ability to work under pressure, knowledge of international relations and the UN system, planning and organizing, client orientation, empowering others, and performance management. Required languages French, English Desired languages Spanish #J-18808-Ljbffr