The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.  Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

The OECD Staff Association is a statutory body whose main purpose is to defend the professional interests and improve the working conditions of all members of staff at the OECD. It is consulted over any projected modification of the Organisation’s conditions of employment. It also proposes measures aimed at strengthening staff members’ rights. Lastly, it offers legal counselling to its members. It therefore plays an essential part in ensuring that the Organisation functions effectively.

The Staff Association is seeking a Legal Advisor with sound expertise in international civil service law. Under the direction of the Staff Association’s Head of Legal Unit/Deputy Executive Secretary, the successful candidate will provide legal advice to staff, conduct legal research and analysis and support the Association in its mission.

Main Responsibilities

Legal advice to staff members

• Provide tailored legal advice to members of staff asking for the Staff Association’s support.
• In the context of dealing with individual requests for advice from staff members, collaborate effectively with other OECD resources (Human resource management, Head of ethics, medical and social team, etc.)  
• Analyse, in direct collaboration with the Head of Legal Unit/Deputy Executive Secretary, conflicts between members of staff and the Secretary-General in law and in equity to advise on appropriate steps, including engaging with the Administration or applying to the Mediator, the Re-evaluation Commission, the Joint Advisory Board or Administrative Tribunal). Encouraging the parties to settle whenever possible.
• Defend the interests of members of staff before the Joint Advisory Board, where necessary, under the supervision of the Head of Legal Unit/ Deputy Executive Secretary or the Executive Secretary.
• Advise members of staff in the management of appeals filed with Staff Association’ support before the appeal bodies of the Organisation, in collaboration with external counsel and under the supervision of the Head of Legal Unit/ Deputy Executive Secretary or the Executive Secretary.

Research and Drafting

• Conduct legal research and analysis in the drafting of legal papers, reports and comparative studies for consultation by the various bodies of the Staff Association, on subjects of concern to the staff of the Organisation.
• Prepare the Staff Association's annual fact file and develop topical legal fact sheets in collaboration with the Executive Secretariat and the Communications Officer.

Documentary and Legal Monitoring

• Maintain a documentary and legal watch, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of OECD statutory texts and relevant laws and case law from Member countries and international organisations in line with the instructions of the Head of Legal Unit and Deputy Executive Secretary.
• Respond to questions from Staff Associations in other international organisations regarding OECD statutory and practical texts.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• An advanced university degree in law with specialisation and/or experience in international civil service law or an equivalent qualification.

Professional Background

• A minimum of two years’ experience in international civil service law, administrative law or employment law.
• Proven capacity for sound legal knowledge in an international environment; ability to effectively execute research or project assignments.
• Proven ability to master new topics rapidly, and to draft concise material, well-structured documents under short deadlines.
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills: proven ability to organise and summarise complex legal material.

Tools

• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
• Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Achievement focus, Teamwork, Flexible thinking, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity.
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Closing Date

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 23.59 on 29 December 2024 (CET)

Contract Duration

• Two years, fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• Ideal start date:  March 2025

What the OECD offers [External candidates]

• Monthly base salary starting from 5,221 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
• Click here to browse our People Management Guidebook and learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and many other policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Selection Process

For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, written tests and panel interviews.

Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 67.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.