Organization profile

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. Be part of a growing international organization that is dedicated to tackling this global challenge.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is a treaty-based international organization with headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons. As the only international organization tasked exclusively to work on the issue of missing persons, ICMP maintains field programs throughout the world. To learn more about ICMP click here.

Background of the Position

The Legal Officer will provide legal advice and support to ICMP’s Head of Legal Unit and Legal Adviser on legal matters under their area of responsibility which includes but is not limited to legal analysis and advice on legislation and governmental structures; evaluation of legislative developments related to missing persons; and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of legal documents, including memoranda of understanding, memoranda of cooperation, agreements, and contracts. The incumbent works across practice areas of relevance to the entire organization to provide coherent and tailored advice.

The Legal Officer will also support ICMP’s Program in Ukraine to ensure compliance with domestic and international law and the Agreement on the Status and Functions of the ICMP. This may include travel to Ukraine.

Under the supervision of the Head of Legal Unit/Legal Adviser the Legal Officer’s duties and responsibilities will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Review and analyze all Ukrainian legislation pertaining to missing persons, including the Law on Persons Missing under Special Circumstances, the Law on the State Register of Human Genomic Information, and the Criminal Procedure Code, as well as domestic legislation on the processing and protection of data.
• Work across practice areas of relevance to the entire organization to provide coherent and tailored legal advice.
• Draft, review and facilitate the interpretation of agreements and other legal documents defining ICMP’s status, cooperation and operational arrangements with Ukraine, international and other organizations and any other institutional partners and in line with ICMP’s legal status and policy framework. Participation in negotiating the terms of such cooperative relationships.
• Review contracts, including procurement contracts and other legal documents and provide support in other legal aspects of the internal administration of relevance to the entire organization as well as to the Ukraine Program.
• Provide analysis and advice on legal issues of interest to ICMP in areas such as public international law, international administrative law, domestic criminal and criminal procedural law, human rights including personal data protection.
• Contribute to advancing the purpose and functions of ICMP.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in law. A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in the practice of law either in an international organization, government department, law firm, or similar environment, with a focus on international, administrative, and/or commercial legal matters.

• Experience in providing legal advice on operational matters and dealing with policies, procedures, operations, and on commercial and/or contract law.
• Experience in professional legal work relating to the preparation and negotiation of international agreements is desirable.
• Experience in and understanding of public law and practice in Ukraine is desirable.
• Familiarity with Ukrainian legislation pertaining to missing persons is desirable.

• Experience in professional legal work relating to international law governing privileges and immunities is desirable.

Mandatory Requirements

• Professional fluency in English and Ukrainian. Knowledge of other regional language is considered an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills, with ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks and process large amounts of information.
• Discretion, tact, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Teams.

• Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender.
• Ability and willingness to travel to hardship areas and at times on short notice.
• Commitment to the underlying objective of helping the authorities and families of the missing to account for missing persons in an impartial and transparent manner.

Benefits

This is a full-time position with a competitive base salary at the E5 level on the ICMP professional salary scale, includes a post adjustment, generous paid leave and extensive health insurance benefits for the incumbent and eligible dependent(s).

This position is based in the international city of peace and justice, The Hague, The Netherlands. The Hague is a comfortable city and appeals to those with a wide range of interests. To learn more about living in The Hague click here. ICMP enjoys exemption from income tax and social security deductions in The Netherlands (staff members are responsible for any income tax in their home country).

Expected start date: As soon as possible

VN close date: 31 October 2024

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

ICMP may cancel this recruitment without notice, or may decide to offer a position with different duties and/or contract length.