Legal Officer (2 positions) (P)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 16345
Position Title: Legal Officer (2 positions)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 10 September 2025

Introduction

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Context

The Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, 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 internal governance and administrative instruments and international law. 

The Office of Legal Affairs is comprised of the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division (LEGPS), the Contract Law Division (LEGCR), the General and Administrative Law Division (LEGGL), as well as Regional Legal Hubs. 

LEGPS provides legal advice on the structure, mandate and functions of the Organization, based on the IOM’s Constitution, other basic texts, such as the Rules of Procedure of the IOM Council and Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance, relevant Council decisions and international law. The Division deals with core questions of IOM’s legal status and privileges and immunities; provides advice to ensure a sound legal basis for the Organization’s legal relationship with States, the United Nations and other international organizations; supports the work of the IOM governing bodies; advises on the legal aspects of IOM operations and organizational policies, including international migration law; and provides advice to ensure that personal data are transferred in accordance with the IOM data protection legal framework.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of LEGPS and direct supervision of a Senior Legal Officer, the Legal Officer will work in the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division (LEGPS) to provide timely, accurate legal advice and other services related to the institutional law and programme support area with a focus on international migration law.

In the area of concentration and within delegated authority and location, and as necessary, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Undertake legal research and analysis, and prepare legal opinions, studies and background notes on a wide range of substantive and procedural issues relating to public international law, including but not limited to international human rights law, international humanitarian law, refugee law, and the law of the sea. 
2. Provide legal advice on the legal aspects of IOM’s operations and review related agreements as may be required.
3. Prepare legal advice in connection with IOM’s engagement in the UN system, including UN human rights bodies and special mandate holders.
4. Draft and review various organizational policies, procedures and guidelines.
5. Monitor developments in public international law, with a focus on international migration law areas. 
6. Represent IOM or the IOM Office of Legal Affairs, as applicable, in UN system wide or IOM-wide working groups, task forces, briefings, conferences and other bodies, in relation to key areas of IOM’s operations, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues, and views of delegations.
7. Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and conferences relevant to the work of LEGPS as may be required.
8. Supervise interns as may be required.
9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public International Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• A first level university degree  in above fields in combination with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• A minimum of five years (seven years for first level university’s degree holders) of relevant professional experience, of which at least three years within an international or governmental organization;
• Experience advising on matters of public international law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, or a related field; and,
• Experience in a Legal Office of an international organization is an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of public international law required;
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law highly desirable;
• Knowledge of international human rights law highly desirable;
• Knowledge of the law of the sea an advantage;
• Knowledge of refugee law an advantage;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail, enabling thorough and comprehensive legal analysis; and,
• Ability to effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and Spanish is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these 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. 

Managerial Competencies - behavioural indicators – Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
   

Notes

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, 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.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies