Paralegal
Vacancy Number: 2322
Department/Unit: Legal Services / Private Sector - Legal
Date of Issuance: September 12, 2025
Deadline of Applications: October 11, 2025
Required Languages: English
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Grade: Para Professional
Job Category: E
Recruitment Status: Local
Contract Duration: Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Applicants shall be considered eligible if they are nationals of, or legally residing, in the EU.
Nationals from the Member Countries of the OPEC Fund for International Development are strongly encouraged to apply. The Member Countries are: Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.Job Profile
The Paralegal is responsible for supporting the private sector legal team in providing legal advice and services to the OPEC Fundโs stakeholders and conducting a variety of research and analytical work all in accordance with the institutional strategy and framework, to support the achievement of Private Sectorโs long-term goals, strategic targets and annual objectives. The role will also serve as the Secretary to the Staff Appeals Committee (SAC) and in that capacity will report to the Chairperson of the SAC.
Duties and Responsibilities
Legal drafting
Drafts legal instruments (including loan and grant agreements or equivalent), as well as amendments to legal instruments
Research and analysis
Conducts legal research on a diverse range of policy and legal issues using varied research sourcesPresents findings/recommendations on policy issues and procedures; prepares background papers, written records of proceedings, memoranda summarizing documents, other legal source material, or equivalentAssists in drafting and reviewing draft documents, highlighting issues, inconsistencies, etc.Responds to inquiries ranging in complexity and takes decisions, subject to approved authority, with the guidance of Legal Counsels
Participates in task/project teams as assigned requiredServes as the project assistant for projects under the management of the private sector legal teamOrganizes project and departmental documents and records in accordance with appropriate standards and files in the appropriate document management systemHandles tasks in absence of primary counsel with limited supervisionAssists with portfolio management tasks (amendments, consents, waivers, cancellations)Assists with organizing team meetings, taking minutes and preparing reports related to various tasksSupports Private Sector legal counsels in the achievement of the Units goalsStakeholder management and engagement
Works with external stakeholders (authorized legal officials of partner countries/institutions) and internal stakeholders (e.g. all OPEC Fund departments/units) on the subject of legal services and advice on an ongoing basis
Staff Appeals Committee (SAC) Support
Provides secretarial support to the Chairperson of the Staff Appeals Committee (SAC) in accordance with Chapter 3 of the HR Rules of Procedure, ensuring all procedural aspects are met in a timely and effective mannerManages appeal documentation, verifies compliance with applicable rules, and maintains confidential electronic case files
Advises appellants and SAC members on procedures, coordinates meetings and hearings, and facilitates administrative arrangementsDrafts summaries and reports of appeal cases, prepares SAC recommendations, and supports communication among involved parties
Organizes training for SAC members and oversees the election process for staff-elected committee membersCarries out other tasks assigned by the Director, Private Sector-Legal that are related to the job functions.
Qualifications and Experience
Masterโs degree in law or; Bachelorโs degree in law with an additional two years of experience A minimum of two (2) years relevant professional experience, with a (Masterโs degree) or four (4) years (with a Bachelorโs degree)A minimum of one (1) year at an international development finance institution is highly desirableExperience in human resources management, with a focus on employee relations is an added advantageFluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage
Competencies
Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role.Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals.Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences.Decision making - The ability to analyze information comprehensively to make well-informed decisions; assess both immediate and long-term ramifications. Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.