Position Title : Legal Officer
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 18 September 2024
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading
UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and
non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the
benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and
inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female
candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all
IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered
before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.
For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic
Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia
(Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis;
Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.
Context:
The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors
General, the Regional Offices, Country Offices, and other Departments and Offices of the
Organization. The Office provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the
Organization are carried out in accordance with the legal framework governing IOM, including
the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations
and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM instructions and international law. The
Office of Legal Affairs is comprised of three divisions: the Contract Law Division, the General
and Administrative Law Division and the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division.
Under the overall supervision of the Legal Counsel and the direct supervision of the Senior
Legal Officer, the Legal Officer will be accountable and responsible for assisting in providing
legal advice to support humanitarian operations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Review relevant documents and provide input in pre-contractual negotiations in coordination
with the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery, regarding operations and
activities to ensure alignment with the legal framework.
2. Prepare legal advice in emergencies, in order to protect IOM’s legal interests.
3. Conduct legal research including on international humanitarian law and access issues in
order to inform the conduct of IOM’s humanitarian operations and activities.
4. Review and assist with the development of internal guidance and policies on legal issues
arising in emergencies.
5. Provide emergency support capacity on the legal side, as needed, including through desk
review and duty travel.
6. Assist with the analysis of privileges and immunities issues in countries where humanitarian
operations are underway or may be contemplated.
7. Prepare legal advice on supply chain and international trade issues arising in operations,
including cross-border operations and application of sanctions.
8. Support the Senior Legal Officer during any periods of leave, absence, or any periods of
unavailability.
9. Identify potential legal challenges in emergency situations and promptly inform the relevant
units to ensure early engagement and advice from the Office of Legal Affairs.
10. Conduct thorough analyses of emergency caseloads and internal systems, land provide
formulation and recommendation of strategic changes aimed at enhancing efficiency and
effectiveness.
11. Performing such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Law from an accredited academic institution with two years of recent,

relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in Law with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• The following experience would be an advantage;
• Field experience, working on the ground in a humanitarian crisis;
• Experience in analyzing legal instruments, undertaking legal research and drafting legal

documents and contracts; and,

• Experience in advising on the privileges and immunities of an international organization.

Skills

• Practicing law in the Legal Department (or equivalent) of a United Nations entity, advising on

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another
official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
(https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural

differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner

consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed

manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly

treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve

shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely

manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and

innovate.

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes

responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains

complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding
confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.
Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain
eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in
the Professional Category of staff members.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,
accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security
clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be
required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the
medical clearance process.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No
late applications will be accepted.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 18 September 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment
system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 05.09.2024 to 18.09.2024
No Fees:
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview,
processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank
accounts.
Requisition: VN 2024 547 Legal Officer (P2) Geneva, Switzerland (59127417) Released
Posting: Posting NC59127418 (59127418) Released