General Counsel

About IDLO

 IDLO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes legal, regulatory, and institutional reform to advance economic and social development in transitional and developing countries. 

Since its establishment, IDLO has worked with more than 20,000 legal professionals in 175 countries.  Its network of forty-seven independent national alumni associations, with membership drawn from legal, business, academic, and civil society communities, gives it a unique ability to create opportunity for those most in need. 

IDLO is based in Rome, Italy, with project offices in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kenya, and South Sudan; and has a permanent observer office at the United Nations in New York.

In 2008, IDLO fully adopted and implemented a Results-Based Management (RBM) system.  RMB sets realistic goals and benchmarks as well as  monitors progress, evaluates performance, and integrates lessons-learned into decision making.  In 2009, IDLO’s Assembly of Parties approved the Strategic Plan for 2009-2012 that guides IDLO’s programming and management objectives, and sets a performance reporting framework.  This  has resulted in a systematic evaluation of activities and identification of lessons for future programming, monitoring, and evaluation systems.  Additionally, IDLO’s strategic objectives for 2009-2012 reflect the interdependence between rule of law and human, economic, and social development.

In line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action, IDLO seeks to enable its partners to take charge of their own development agendas.  IDLO counts among its stakeholders individual lawyers, policy-makers, regulators, and judiciaries as well as representatives of civil society organizations, private firms, and governments.

To catalyze change, IDLO empowers these diverse stakeholders to identify economic, social, and institutional developmental needs and to undertake needed reforms.

IDLO’s professional staff is mainly composed of legal professionals who come to the organization with extensive experience in core subjects such as judicial reform, international trade and investment law, governance (including public financial management), procurement, anti-corruption, environmental law, and gender equality and human rights.

IDLO was established pursuant to an international convention and is governed by its Assembly of Parties currently comprised of twenty-six Members.

In 2001, IDLO was granted Permanent Observer Status by the United Nations General Assembly and, in 2007, the organization established a Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York.  IDLO is supported by voluntary contributions from governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations, and the private sector.

 For more information, please visit IDLO’s website at www.idlo.int.

 The Position

 Reporting to the Director-General, the General Counsel is responsible for leading and managing IDLO’s legal affairs and for ensuring that the organization’s activities are carried out in accordance with its governing documents and relevant law.  As a member of the IDLO Management Committee, the incumbent provides strategic perspectives on all legal matters and acts as a senior advisor to the Director-General on the functions, structure, and activities of the organization.  The General Counsel will also manage relations with outside counsel.

Overall leadership of the legal function includes developing and implementing innovative approaches, policies, and procedures relevant to all legal aspects of IDLO’s programs and operations.  This includes analyzing and managing exposure to risk as well as researching and examining legal precedent in the context of public and private international and domestic law. 

In partnership  with other internal business functions, the Office of the General Counsel drafts, negotiates, and reviews all legal documentation, which include contracts for projects, facilities, financing, and general commercial agreements.  Additionally, this position provides legal support, including advice on privileges and immunities, for field missions in developing and post-conflict countries. 

Working closely with the Department of Human Resources, the General Counsel assists in maintaining and revising organizational policies, including IDLO’s Staff Rules and Regulations and the IDLO Code of Conduct.  The incumbent further supports the Department of Human Resources by providing model contracts, advising on or developing personnel rules and procedures, and rendering legal advice or interpretation. 

Serving as Secretary to the Assembly of Parties and Board of Advisors, in close collaboration with the President of IDLO, the General Counsel is responsible for final drafting of all organizational governance documents, resolutions, reports, and minutes of meetings as well as rendering opinions on treaties and other legal texts.  The General Counsel works with the Director-General and Member Party delegations to prepare for all governance meetings and also provides legal advice to the Audit & Finance Committee on compliance and ethics.

 Priority Workplan

The new General Counsel will be joining IDLO at an exciting time in its growth and development.  Under the new leadership of a Director-General who began her appointment in January 2012, the General Counsel will lead or participate in efforts already underway to enhance systems and procedures across the entire organization.  The selected candidate will need to become familiar with these initiatives and immediately evaluate new and existing policies and regulations to ensure compliance and consistency in their application.

IDLO has experienced significant growth in its program portfolio over the past two years.  The Office of the General Counsel plays a pivotal role in reviewing and negotiating contractual conditions for the implementation of these programs.  IDLO is forecasting another strong year of growth to occur in 2012 and the General Counsel will need to organize the work of the Office to maintain a priority focus on this critical support function to the Department of Programs Management while at the same time balancing the broader work and advisory support provided to other institutional and governing body matters.

2012 will bring about an increased focus on strengthening IDLO’s systems and policies for its field operations.  The General Counsel will play a key role in the Management Committee as IDLO looks to enhance its field presence and capabilities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

IDLO seeks a General Counsel with a genuine interest and passion for the organization’s mission.  It is essential for the selected candidate to have a successful track record in international law or a related field and be familiar with multilateral settings.

The ideal candidate must bring a broad-based background in multiple areas of international law as the organization does not operate a large legal department, yet has extremely visible international exposure in its activities. 

Additionally, we seek candidates who have a demonstrated history of working as self-starters with a proven ability to produce results, maintain credibility of the legal function, and bring value-added solutions.  The growth IDLO is experiencing will continue to bring about significant change for the organization and the General Counsel must be able to lead and manage such change in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment.  Creativity and a proactive approach to tackling a broad set of initiatives are required.  The new General Counsel must also bring a strong customer service ethic to the organization when working with internal and external partners. 

The General Counsel interacts with a variety of constituencies.  As such, the selected candidate must be a strong listener and skilled communicator, particularly when it comes to discussing or translating complex legal issues to a broader audience.  The General Counsel must alsopromote a sense of credibility and be able to resolve delicate issues in a diplomatic and balanced way.  Creating an environment of teamwork and cooperation is essential to the success of this position.  The ideal candidate will have the knowledge and interpersonal skills to motivate and encourage relationships based on mutual respect and trust.  The new General Counsel will also inspire achievement and success in others.

Minimum Qualifications

 Experience in international law with a minimum of ten years in progressively responsible leadership roles is required.

A Law Degree is essential. Admission to practice law, regardless of the jurisdiction, is required.  Knowledge of ethics and compliance issues is also necessary. 

An advanced degree in law or other discipline will be favorably considered. Experience in intergovernmental agencies and familiarity with the United Nations system is highly preferred.

Fluency in English is required.  A working knowledge of other languages, especially French, is desired.

To Apply

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations.  We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

To apply, please visit IDLO’s employment website at www.idlo.int/jobs.