The OECD is a global economic forum working with 38 Member countries and more than 100 emerging and developing economies to develop better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The Organisation provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems.

The Directorate for Legal Affairs (LEG) is a small and highly integrated team which provides advice and information on the legal, institutional and procedural aspects of the Organisation’s activities. LEG is looking to recruit a Junior Legal Advisor to work in the Legal Directorate’s Contracts, MoUs and Budget Unit. This Unit is responsible for reviewing procurement contracts and templates, licences and data sharing agreements, assists with the process and drafting of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs, i.e. cooperation agreements) and represents LEG on the OECD’s Procurement Board. It also provides legal advice on the interpretation of the Financial Regulations and Financial Instructions relative to procurement and budget, including to the Organisation’s Budget Committee.

The selected candidate will work under the immediate supervision of more senior members of the Contracts, MoUs and Budget Unit and under the general supervision of the Director and Deputy-Director for Legal Affairs.

Job description

• Review procurement contracts and provide assistance with the negotiations of their terms and conditions.
• Review co-operation agreements (MoUs) and provide assistance with their negotiation, and liaise as needed with colleagues in the Legal Directorate’s Units.
• Review NDAs, data sharing and licence agreements.
• Provide legal advice on the implementation or interpretation of OECD internal rules, more particularly on the Financial Regulations and Instructions and other norms relating to the Organisation’s procurement.
• Carry out research and analysis relating to a variety of legal topics; prepare drafts of legal opinions, correspondence, notes or other documents.
• Provide legal advice, and draft correspondence as necessary, including in the event of any issues arising under the contracts such as unsatisfactory performances, contracts termination, breach of contracts.
• Assist in maintaining and updating the team’s working tools (model agreements, handbooks…).
• Participate in the completion of the Directorate’s reporting requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• A master’s degree in law or equivalent (e.g. Juris Doctor).

Professional Background

• At least two years continued and proven practical experience in a position focusing on contract drafting and negotiation, with experience in the identification of key issues and risks, their prioritisation and the provision of viable solutions. A longer professional experience would be an advantage.
• Experience in working with the two main legal systems of relevance to the Organisation (civil and common law) and/or of the laws relating to intellectual property, data protection and new technologies/internet would be an advantage.
• Experience working in an international environment would also be considered an advantage.
• Experience in managing a high number of competing requests and working to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, to promptly identify legal issues and consult supervisors when required.

Languages

• An excellent written and oral command of one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a good working level of the other.
• Ability to verify the equivalence of texts in both languages.

Core Competencies

• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Teamwork, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Negotiating.
• Please refer to the OECD Core Competencies and the level 3 indicators.

Contract Duration

• 13 months fixed-term, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Depending on level of experience, monthly base salary starting from 5,221 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to take a written test examination prior to the establishment of the restricted short list of candidates who will be interviewed.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.