Associate Legal Officer
Organizational Context
The Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) provides legal advice to WIPO's leadership, Member States, and Secretariat, ensuring compliance with its founding documents and laws. OLC is structured into three sections: Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Administrative Law, and Contracts and General Legal. This role supports all three sections.
Job Purpose
The Associate Legal Officer provides comprehensive legal research, analysis, and drafting support within the Office of the Legal Counsel. This dynamic role is crucial for safeguarding the Organization's legal interests by delivering agile legal solutions tailored to constitutional, administrative, and contractual matters. The incumbent will assist in ensuring WIPO's operations align with its legal framework, contributing to the effective functioning of the Office and the Organization as a whole.
Responsibilities
Conduct legal research and analysis on public international law, treaty law, administrative law, and contract law. Assist with treaty depository functions, including preparing notifications and maintaining records. Process requests for observer status, preparing necessary documentation for Member States. Address legal questions regarding Staff Regulations and Rules and assist in dispute resolution processes before the WIPO Appeal Board and ILO Administrative Tribunal. Support annual reporting on WIPO's administration of justice system. Review and clear agreements, MOUs, and partnership arrangements. Provide legal advice on operational activities, including IT, digital transformation, data governance, procurement, property, and financial matters, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Work Experience
At least three years of relevant professional experience in legal research, drafting, and providing legal analysis or advice. Experience in public international law, treaty law, administrative law, dispute resolution, or contract law is required. Experience in an international organization is desirable.
Skills
Proficiency in legal research databases and digital tools. Strong understanding of public international law, administrative law, and contract law. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and legal drafting skills. Effective written and oral communication abilities. Adaptability, team spirit, and ability to work under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills for multicultural collaboration.