Duty Station: Rome, Italy (subject to relocation)
About IDLO
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.
To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLOnews.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Director-General, the General Counsel is responsible for leading and managing IDLO’s corporate legal affairs and for ensuring that the organization’s activities are carried out in accordance with its governing documents and relevant laws, rules, policies and ethical standards.
As the chief legal advisor to the Director-General and a member of IDLO’s Management Committee, s/he contributes to major organizational decisions and policies and advises on all legal aspects of the functions, structure, and activities of the organization. The General Counsel advises the Director-General and, through her, the governing bodies, on the legal aspects of IDLO’s governance.
The General Counsel works closely with relevant Departments/Units and IDLO Offices to resolve legal problems, analyze and mitigate risk, and ensure legal and ethical compliance. The incumbent leads a small team of in-house lawyers to develop and implement innovative approaches, policies, and procedures on legal aspects of IDLO’s programs and operations, ensuring the proper interpretation and application of laws, rules and policies relevant to IDLO’s programs and activities, human resources, procurement and other organizational matters, and as well as IDLO’s privileges and immunities as an inter-governmental organization. In partnership with other Departments, the Office of the General Counsel drafts, negotiates, and reviews legal documents and agreements of various types, including commercial contracts, grant agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, leases, and host country agreements.
The General Counsel represents IDLO either directly or with the assistance of outside counsel in investigations, inquiries and legal proceedings and claims. S/he advises and assists the Director-General and relevant senior managers on internal and external audits, internal investigations and disciplinary matters. S/he procures and oversees services of external legal counsel at Headquarters and other locations.
The General Counsel is responsible for setting the work plan and managing the performance of her/his staff, and for developing and managing the budget of the Office.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
IDLO seeks a General Counsel with a genuine interest and passion for the organization’s mission. The ideal candidate must bring a broad-based background in law, with the ability to manage a very diverse and dynamic workload and gain trust and credibility in an organization that includes many lawyers within its ranks. It is essential for the successful candidate to have significant legal experience in organizational matters in governmental or inter-governmental settings.
Additionally, we seek candidates who have a demonstrated history of working as self-starters with a proven ability to produce results, maintain credibility of the legal function, and bring value-added solutions. The growth IDLO is experiencing will continue to bring about significant change for the organization and the General Counsel must be able to lead and manage such change in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment. Creativity and a proactive approach to tackling a broad set of initiatives are required. The new General Counsel must also bring a strong customer service ethic to the organization when working with internal and external partners.
The General Counsel interacts with a variety of constituencies. As such, the selected candidate must be a strong listener and skilled communicator, particularly when it comes to discussing or translating complex legal issues to a broader audience. The General Counsel must also promote a sense of credibility and be able to resolve delicate issues in a diplomatic and balanced way. Creating an environment of teamwork and cooperation is essential to the success of this position. The ideal candidate will have the knowledge and interpersonal skills to motivate and encourage relationships based on mutual respect and trust. The new General Counsel will also inspire achievement and success in others.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 15 years professional experience in progressively responsible leadership roles is required. Some experience in governmental and intergovernmental organization is essential. A Law Degree, with admission to practice law, regardless of the jurisdiction is essential.
Specialization in international law is an advantage.
Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of French is desired.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a fixed-term internationally recruited position. IDLO offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package. The compensation is net of tax.
HOW TO APPLY
All interested applicants are encouraged to apply via our websitewww.idlo.int/jobs and submit the completed IDLO Personal History Form (PHF), resume and cover letter.
DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.
The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
Application deadline is 15 May 2015.