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 Directorate for Legal Affairs (LEG) is a small and highly integrated team that provides advice and information on the legal, institutional and procedural aspects of the Organisation’s activities. LEG is looking to recruit Legal Advisers to work in the General Legal Affairs Division, Staff and institutional matters Unit (LEG IM). While the focus of the work will be on staff and institutional legal matters, the selected candidate(s) may also be called upon to work on other aspects of LEG’s work programme.

The selected candidate(s), who will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, must possess excellent skills in legal analysis and drafting, strong organisational skills and attention to detail, as well as good political and diplomatic sensitivity. The selected candidate(s) must be able to thrive on multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate a high degree of autonomy in the discharge of duties. Furthermore, while all OECD officials are required to exercise tact, discretion and confidentiality, those requirements are of particular importance in these specific functions.

Several positions are available. The filling of these positions is subject to funding availability.

Main responsibilities

• Review claims and appeals lodged by staff members, including requests before the OECD Administrative Tribunal, and contribute to the drafting of the Organisation’s responses and pleadings in pre-litigation and litigation phases.
• Provide legal advice on the implementation or interpretation of OECD internal rules, in particular with respect to the Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions and other norms relating to the staff management.
• Ensure firsthand and efficient liaison with the OECD Human Resource Management Service, including in connection with the implementation of the Organisation’s corporate reforms in staff-related matters (employment framework, pension scheme, etc.).
• Provide legal advice on the interpretation or implementation of privileges and immunities agreements and other questions of public international law related to the institutional framework of the Organisation.
• Carry out research and analysis relating to a variety of legal topics; prepare drafts of legal opinions, correspondence, notes or other documents.
• Carry out any other legal work that may be required from the Directorate.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• Postgraduate University degree in law (e.g., Masters equivalent or Juris Doctor). 
• Knowledge of the two main legal systems of relevance to the Organisation (civil and common law) would be an advantage.

Professional Background

• A minimum of five years’ professional experience in the legal department of an international organisation or in a law firm, in positions focusing on litigation or one or more of the following legal areas: international civil service law, international organisations’ law or labour law.

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring process: Vision and Strategy (Level 2); Enable People (Level 1); Ethics and Integrity (Level 2); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 2); Achieve Results (Level 2); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 2).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to OECD Core Competencies.

Languages

• An excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of the other. Ability to verify the equivalence of texts in both languages.

Closing Date:

• This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should be submitted no later than midnight on 3 January 2025 (CEST).

Contract Duration

• 24-month fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal, subject to funding availability.
• Several positions are available.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly salary starts at 6,665 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt from French income tax.
• Please note, the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
• 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.

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.