Legal Counsel - Secretary-General’s Office

Reference: 130600476
Location: London, UK | Salary: £83,807 per annum
Closing Date: 5 Aug 2013

Job summary

The Legal Counsel is the organisation’s senior legal adviser on issues concerning the operations of the Commonwealth Secretariat. This work spans a range of areas from matters of international administrative law to contractual and human resource issues.

As Legal Counsel for the organisation, under the supervision of, and reporting to, the Assistant Secretary-General, Legal Counsel provides legal advice to the Management Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Corporate Services and Strategic Human Resources Committee, to these bodies, and to the Commonwealth Secretariat more generally. Such advice primarily concerns governance, contractual and human resource issues in the context of an organisation under international administrative law. The Legal Counsel also provides advice on the development of policies governing the operation of the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and leads for the Secretariat in the conduct of cases brought before the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal.

The post-holder is expected to provide legal advice on a wide range of legal issues, including:

the conduct of cases brought before the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal on behalf of the Commonwealth Secretariat;
the legal aspects of human resources matters including personnel policies and procedures for recruitment, grievances, and disciplinary cases;
corporate matters generally, including the development of policies in areas such as procurement and financial management, and legal aspects of change management;
the privileges and immunities of the Commonwealth Secretariat and its personnel in the host country and abroad;
administrative and other diplomatic matters relating to the Commonwealth Secretariat’s relationship with the host country and its Offices and regional centres around the world; and
contracts for the supply of goods and services to the Commonwealth Secretariat and its Offices and regional centres around the world.

In performing his/her duties, the Legal Counsel is expected to:

liaise as necessary with governments, regional and international organisations and represent the Commonwealth Secretariat at relevant meetings internally and abroad;
deliver papers and presentations in various national and international fora on International Administrative law as applied by the Commonwealth Secretariat; and
undertake other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

A first degree in law and admission to practice as a barrister or solicitor in a Commonwealth country. Desirable: Postgraduate degree in Public International Law or a related legal discipline. In particular a working knowledge of international administrative law would be an advantage.
Minimum of 10 years professional experience as a qualified lawyer of which at least 5 years professional experience should be as a lawyer working in Public International Law or a related legal discipline.
Sound and demonstrated knowledge and professional experience of Public International Law and the application of International Administrative Law as it is applied to the workings of an international organisation.
Experience of providing advice on complex employment law matters is highly advantageous.
Experience in human resources issues and the conduct of an international organisation.
Highly developed analytical skills and the ability to provide clear and objective written and verbal advice and recommendations.
Effective interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to interact effectively at senior levels.
Capacity to work and network effectively with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders.
Good basic IT skills including the use of a range of Microsoft programmes such as Word, Excel and email applications.

About the Secretary-General's Office

The Secretary-General manages and governs the Commonwealth Secretariat and:

leads the organisation in developing, delivering, and being accountable for the Secretariat’s strategic plan;
has a specific mandate to protect and promote the Commonwealth’s core values through the use of ‘good offices’;
leads the Secretariat’s ‘outreach’ - through senior contacts in member countries, with civil society leaders and through the media and public engagements. | Read more >>