LEGAL COUNSEL (USG) -Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Closing Date: 30 November 2022

Job Description

Duration: Indeterminate appointment
Category and Level: M2, Step I (senior-level)

General Background

The OEC: The Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) is an international intergovernmental organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

The main functions of the Department of Legal Affairs (DELA) are to:

a. Provide legal advice to the General Assembly, the Council of Member States, the Conference of Associate Members, and the Secretariat as well as any meeting or body convened by the OEC;
b. Provide legal advice on questions arising from the OEC Constitutive Charter, its regulations, its privileges and immunities;
c. Provide legal advice on the conclusion and application of agreements with Member States, Associate Members, or other organisations, and on contracts to which the OEC is a party;
d. Represent the OEC in dispute resolution proceedings;
e. Assist in the drafting and application of standard-setting instruments, conventions, treaties, and agreements;
f. Exercise depositary functions on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Role Summary

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Legal Counsel is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and administration of the Department of Legal Affairs, and the provision of the appropriate legal support to the Secretariat and other organs of the Organisation to ensure compliance with international and other relevant laws, as well as the drafting and/or review of international, standard-setting instruments, conventions, and agreements. This position provides the unique opportunity of joining the senior management team of a new international organisation, contributing to its lasting construction and influencing its future trajectory.

Duties

  • Advise and support the Secretary-General on legal matters and mitigation strategies, as requested;
  • Oversee and manage the Department’s staff and effective coordination amongst its sections;
  • Ensure the Department’s responsibilities are discharged in a timely fashion, in close coordination with other Departments;
  • Prepare reports for the Secretary-General and for presentation to the General Assembly and Council of Member States;
  • Develop appropriate dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms and procedures;
  • Provide legal advice to other Departments or Bureaus;
  • Prepare legal opinions, interpretation, and/or advice on documents submitted to the Department ;
  • Advise OEC organs, summits, and/or conferences on legal and governance issues ;
  • Advise on matters related to credentials of representatives to the OEC, its organs, or conferences;
  • Advise the Common Leveraging Union of Borrowers (CLUB) on general legal matters, potential liabilities, and mitigation strategies;
  • Advise on international standard-setting instruments, conventions, and treaties;
  • On delegation by the Secretary-General, ensure that the depository functions are diligently exercised;
  • Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.

Competencies

  • Demonstrated professional competence and expertise;
  • Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills with a proven track record;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong methodical and strategic thinking skills;
  • Proven negotiation skills;
  • Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines, with great attention to detail;
  • Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment and deal with cross-cultural sensitivity;
  • Ability to withstand and work effectively within stressful situations.

Qualifications

  • At least 12 years of work experience in practicing and/or advising on international law;
  • At least 3 years of work experience in or providing advice to international and/or regional organisations;
  • Master’s degree (or higher) in International Law or other related fields.

Language Requirements

Candidate must at least be fluent in English and additional knowledge of one or more other official languages (French, Arabic, Spanish) is an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is open to international applicants.
All applications must be sent to HRE@OEC-OCE.ORG and must include:

  1. Subject line: “DELA USG – Application”
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Letter of Motivation
  4. Any other relevant information

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