Legal Officer, IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme Lead

Organizational Context

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) provides comprehensive legal services to the Director General, Secretariat, IAEA organs, and Member States, supporting the implementation of Agency activities. The Nuclear and Treaty Law Section within OLA offers specialized legal advice on nuclear safety, security, liability, energy, applications, and technical cooperation. This section also manages the IAEA's depositary function and the Legislative Assistance Programme, advising and training Member States on legal frameworks for nuclear technology.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer, IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme Lead, reports to the Section Head and contributes specialized nuclear law knowledge and project management expertise to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme. This role involves covering all aspects of international and national nuclear law across various regions, including the design and execution of Technical Cooperation Projects. The incumbent will liaise with internal and external stakeholders, prioritize legislative assistance activities based on assessed needs, and provide legal opinions and analyses on nuclear law instruments. A key function is assisting Member States in drafting national legislation and ensuring adherence to international legal instruments, safety standards, and nuclear security guidance. The role also entails coordinating and supervising legislative assistance work within the Section, ensuring quality and timely delivery of outputs.

Responsibilities

The Legal Officer is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating activities within the IAEA's Legislative Assistance Programme, ensuring efficient resource management. This includes drafting advice on the application and interpretation of international legal instruments related to nuclear safety, security, and civil liability, as well as safety standards and security guidance. The role involves preparing advice for Member States on their national nuclear legislation and developing legislative assistance work plans based on needs assessments. The incumbent will prepare studies, briefs, and recommendations, and organize/participate in nuclear law seminars and training courses. Representing OLA at missions and events, delivering lectures, and promoting adherence to international nuclear legal instruments are also key duties. Furthermore, the Legal Officer will lead, train, and mentor staff in legislative assistance, particularly in reviewing national legislation, and will lead projects to strengthen the Section's work and the Legislative Assistance Programme.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required, including several years at the international level. Proven ability to draft legal documents and review national nuclear legislation is essential, as is solid experience in interpreting and applying international legal instruments, with a focus on the nuclear field.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Strong analytical thinking, judgment, and decision-making abilities. Technical and scientific credibility in ensuring work complies with international standards. Expertise in international law, legal drafting, and policy development. Familiarity with the IAEA's Statute, Rules of Procedure, Regulations, Practices, and Precedents is an asset.

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