Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel (internationally recruited)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments, empowers people, and strengthens institutions to realise justice and promote peace and sustainable development. IDLO is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and access to justice. With its headquarters in Rome, Italy, a Branch Office in The Hague, Permanent Observer Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and 16 Country Offices across the globe, IDLO carries out policy advocacy, research, and the rule of law and justice programmes, operating in every region of the world.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is a dynamic generalist legal practice whose overarching aim is to advance and protect the legal interests of IDLO, while mitigating risk, fostering accountability, and helping to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Organization and its governing bodies. OGC advises the entire Organization on a diverse range of legal and ethical issues. Advice is provided to the Director-General and to senior managers and Organizational committees, as well as to all Departments, Field Offices and Teams. Given the high legal and ethical standard against which a rule-of-law promotion organization is held, OGC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that IDLO is in compliance with all applicable authorities.

THE POSITION

Under the direct supervision of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel provides research assistance to OGC; works collaboratively with in-house clients to solve problems, strategize, and mitigate risks; helps to ensure legal compliance and proper application of delegated authorities; and maximizes protection of IDLO’s overseas personnel, facilities, and operations by ensuring the availability and implementation of its privileges and immunities. The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for the following duties:

1. Under the direction of the General Counsel, provide advice on a range of issues to IDLO departments and units at all levels, including:

• Research and prepare legal opinions relating to the functions, structure and activities of IDLO;
• Draft, review and interpret contracts, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents in support of, and in cooperation with, internal business units;
• Draft or revise Organizational governance documents and resolutions; provide procedural guidance on meetings, elections, and other matters;
• Provide advice as appropriate on internal disciplinary investigations and assist in internal and external dispute resolution proceedings and arbitrations and in representing IDLO in other actions to which IDLO may be a party.

2. Review and advise on legal implications of proposed programme activities, ensuring consistency with applicable law and IDLO’s legal status as an intergovernmental organization:

• Support personnel on legal issues relating to programme activities, including the application of privileges and immunities, and arrange for legal advice by local counsel;
• Draft and assist in the negotiation of Host Country Agreements and other legal documents to provide legal status and appropriate privileges and immunities for IDLO’s field operations;
• Develop or advise on protocols, policies, and procedures for IDLO programmes and activities as appropriate.

3. Assist in the preparation, revision, interpretation, and application of IDLO’s Employee Regulations and Rules, Organizational policies, and related documents:

• Review, amend, and provide guidance on the implementation of IDLO regulations, rules, policies, and guidelines;
• Develop and deliver legal briefings to IDLO employees on relevant Organizational rules and policies to promote consistent, lawful, and appropriate employee conduct.
  

Education and Experience

• A law degree, with admission to practice law, regardless of the jurisdiction, is required. Specialization in international law is an advantage.
• Minimum of 02 (two) years of significant relevant professional experience is essential, ideally with at least 01 (one) year within the legal department of an intergovernmental organization.

Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English is essential; working knowledge of French and/or Spanish highly desirable.

Specific knowledge, skills and behavioral competencies

• Demonstrated capacity as a self-starter with a proven ability to produce results;
• Strong client-oriented approach and customer service ethic; ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Capacity to negotiate and resolve delicate issues in a diplomatic and balanced way;
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to promote mutual respect and trust and to relate to people from different cultures;
• Excellent legal drafting skills;
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT and internet software;
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

For this internationally recruited professional position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate a Fixed-Term contract for 24 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to performance and availability of funding. The selected candidate will be expected to commence on 1 August 2025.

IDLO shall offer an annual basic salary of EUR €37,762- and a benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, expatriate allowance and leave entitlements. Relocation and installation support available for internationally recruited employees in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates. IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies. IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and in compliance with IDLO’s policy on personal data protection. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

Application deadline is: 03 March 2025 (23:59hrs Rome time).