Legal Assistant
Organizational Context
The Office of General Counsel (LEG) provides legal advice to IFAD's Management and Governing Bodies on all legal aspects of IFAD's operations and administration. LEG provides legal advice in relation to project-related operations, drafting and negotiating agreements, and advising on institutional, corporate/administrative issues, including HR, procurement, and privileges and immunity. LEG also represents IFAD in litigation.
Job Purpose
To provide communications, operational, and administrative support services to enhance the smooth running of the Legal Division (LEG), managing information and workflow. This includes preparing draft legal instruments, conducting basic legal research, proofreading, managing documentation, and supporting operational and administrative tasks to ensure efficiency and adherence to IFAD standards.
Responsibilities
Organize and facilitate communications and workflow within LEG; screen legal documentation, manage correspondence and calls, act as a point of contact; prepare initial drafts of legal documents, proofread legal instruments, research legal databases, maintain calendars and filing systems; coordinate project-related documentation, input data, adapt internal procedures, monitor work progress, organize meetings, coordinate travel, prepare briefing notes, and register agreements; provide office support, draft responses to inquiries, follow up on deadlines, review outgoing correspondence, and undertake informal translations; support supervisors on complex matters, ensuring deadlines are met and procedures are followed.
Work Experience
Minimum of 4 years of progressively relevant experience in secretarial and/or administrative tasks is required. Prior experience in a Legal Division/Department and/or with legal instruments is highly desirable. Knowledge of sovereign and non-sovereign matters is an asset.
Skills
Record management, knowledge management & dissemination strategies, legal research, interpretation and analysis, legal drafting, client orientation, confidentiality & discretion, problem solving, and written communication.