Deputy Legal Counsel

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC). OLC is responsible for providing legal advice and assistance to the Director General, to the bodies of WIPO Member States and to the Secretariat on constitutional, administrative, contractual, and general legal matters, and in respect of the depository functions of WIPO-administered treaties, in harmony with statutory requirements and applicable law.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Deputy Legal Counsel supports the Legal Counsel in directing the work of the Office of the Legal Counsel and in planning, coordinating and supervising the above-mentioned legal functions and activities in accordance with the Organization’s constitution and other legal and policy texts.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Legal Counsel.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Assist the Legal Counsel in preparing advice on complex and sensitive issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the Organization, including on the application and interpretation of the basic constituent instrument of the Organization, the rules of procedure of governing bodies, and on the interpretation of the regulatory framework of the Organization (e.g. Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations and Rules, Office Instructions and other policy issuance) and application thereof.

b.   Participate in negotiations and direct the drafting of legal instruments such as agreements and contracts to be entered into by the Organization; provide expert advice on the resolution of claims arising under such agreements and contracts.

c.   Provide advice on the legal status of the Organization in the countries in which its headquarters and external offices are located and on the legal status of staff and related privileges and immunities.

d.   Advise on policy implications and legal questions relating to the interpretation of and amendments to the Staff Regulations and Rules and to disputes as to their application.

e.   Coordinate the timely preparation of treaty notifications and other actions in the discharge of the depositary functions of the Director General.

f.    Manage the activities undertaken by the Section Heads, ensuring that the services provided meet defined objectives; assist the Legal Counsel in providing advice on programmatic, workforce and financial planning in line with results-based management principles; draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports; deputize for the Legal Counsel under delegated authority.

g.   Represent the Director General before the WIPO Appeal Board and the Organization before the ILO Administrative Tribunal and any other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies; direct the preparation and review of briefs and pleadings.

h.   Represent the Director General or the Organization in high-level meetings, consultations and negotiations with contractors and with high-level representatives of Member States or other organizations and bodies involving constitutional and legal matters.

i.    Oversee the preparation of studies and reports on specific subjects of a general legal nature and on the legislative activity of the Organization.

j.    Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law with a specialization in international public law or administrative law.

Education (Desirable)

Admission to the bar or equivalent license to practice law in a national jurisdiction.

Experience (Essential)

At least 15 years of professional experience in a legal field, including experience in public international law or administrative law of relevance to international organizations.

Experience in managing and or/supervising a team.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English and knowledge of French.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

In-depth knowledge of international law and/or administrative law, as well as the practical application of legal principles, concepts and policy to a range of legal issues in the area of public international law or the law of international organizations.

Ability to articulate technically complex and politically sensitive notions with clarity, tact and diplomacy.

Political acumen and excellent negotiation skills.

Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Independent judgment and capacity for critical analysis.

Strong leadership skills to motivate staff, promote interest and engagement and teamwork.

Excellent ability to communicate and interact with WIPO's leadership, senior management, Member States and other key stakeholders.

Good knowledge of results-based management principles.

Excellent communication, networking and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the United Nations System.

4.      Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.