Senior Legal Officer (Gaza Response)

Position Title: Senior Legal Officer (Gaza Response)

Duty Station: To be determined

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 05 August 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, the Regional Offices, Country Offices, and other Departments and Offices of the Organization. The Department provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the legal framework governing IOM, including the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM instructions and international law.

The Office of Legal Affairs, headed by the Legal Counsel, comprises three divisions: the Contract Law Division, the General and Administrative Law Division, and the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division. Additionally, an Emergencies Focal Point reports directly to the Legal Counsel, who oversees and provides cross-cutting advice during all Level 3 (L3), Level 2 (L2), and Director General-declared emergencies.

Under the overall guidance and administrative direct supervision of the Regional Crisis Coorodinator and direct Technical supervision of the Legal Counsel, Headquaters (HQ) and in coordination with Regional Office (RO) and HQ and in close coordination with the overall emergencies legal focal point, the Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for the provision of timely and effective legal expertise and advice on a wide range of legal issues affecting the mandate and activities, to protect the interests of the Organization, minimizing liabilities, and promoting successful outcomes.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Direct On-ground Legal Analysis: Conduct specific legal analysis and risk assessment pertaining to operations within Gaza and the neighbouring countries pertaining to the Gaza response operation, focusing on complexities introduced by the ongoing crisis in close coordination of the Office of Legal LEG Emergencies foal point to ensure, to the extent possible, uniformity in LEG’s approach across the emergencies.
2. Negotiate with Local and International Parties: Engage directly in negotiations with local authorities, conflict parties, and international entities to secure operational permissions and facilitate humanitarian interventions specific to the Gaza response.
3. Represent Organization in Gaza-Related Legal Forums: in close coordination with the LEG emergencies focal point, act as the primary legal representative of the organization in legal discussions, negotiations, and dispute resolutions related to the Gaza crisis.
4. Supervise Compliance with International Law: Oversee the adherence to international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee laws, especially those specific to conflict zones and occupied territories within Gaza.
5. Manage Legal Documentation and Contracts: in coordination with the LEG emergencies focal point and LEGCR, oversee the drafting, review, and approval of contracts and other legal documents ensuring they meet the legal requirements specific to Gaza.
6. Lead Response to Legal Emergencies: Provide immediate legal response to any crises or emergencies arising in Gaza, ensuring rapid and legally sound decisions, including the review of any legal positions taken in coordination with the LEG emergencies focal point for consistency in legal interpretations.
7. Advise on Procurement and Partnerships: Offer legal advice on procurement processes and partnerships, ensuring compliance with local and international laws, as well as organizational policies, in collaboration with various supporting departments and the LEG emergencies focal point.
8. Facilitate Training and Capacity Building: Conduct and oversee training programs for local staff and partners in Gaza to ensure understanding and compliance with legal and neutrality frameworks, organizational standards, and humanitarian principles.
9. Liaise with Headquarters: Maintain a constant line of communication with headquarters to ensure the integration of activities in Gaza response within the global legal framework and strategy.
10. Safeguard Organizational Interests: Proactively address any legal issues that could impact organizational operations, reputation, or safety of staff in Gaza and neighbouring country of operation for Gaza response, ensuring that all activities comply with applicable legal standards and organizational ethics.
11. Execute additional responsibilities as may be required by the organization, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to evolving needs within the Gaza crisis and response.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s Degree in Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above field with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• A minimum of seven years of professional legal experience, including legal research, analysis and writing, of which three years includes experience working in the legal department of an intergovernmental organization or the legal office of a Government.
• Experience of working in the region is an advantage.
• Field experience, working on the ground in a humanitarian crisis is an advantage.
• Experience in Advisory work on access and supply chain issues, international humanitarian law, international trade law, money laundering and sanctions compliance work.
• Experience in analyzing legal instruments, undertaking legal research and drafting legal documents and contracts.
• Experience in advising on the privileges and immunities of an international organization.

Skills

• Legal research and drafting skills;
• Critical thinking and problem solving ability; and,
• Ability to handle crisis situations effectively and provide solutions in high-pressure environments.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic and/or another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.