Result of Service

Delivers well-reasoned and concisely written recommendations, opinions and identification of selected legal topics. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines, procedures and processes. Effectively interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally. Develops clear goals and identifies priority activities and assignments. Positions the ILS as a distinguished event of academic excellence.

Work Location

GENEVA

Expected duration

3 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser and Director of the International Law Seminar (ILS), the consultant is responsible for the preparation, organization, conduct and follow-up of the 57th session of the ILS, to be held from 3 to 21 July 2023 at UNOG. The consultant will perform the following duties:

• Conducts legal research, selects relevant material, analyses information, and familiarizes thoroughly with the topics on the agenda of the International Law Commission (ILC) during its current quinquennium, on subjects that will be under discussion during the 74th session (2023).

• In close coordination with members of the ILC and the ILC Secretariat, elaborates agenda items for lectures by members of the ILC, as well as suitable subjects on various legal issues, for analysis, research, and reflection in the context of the Working Groups to be set up within the Seminar.

• Identifies topical issues related to the work of the UN, Specialized Agencies and other International Organizations in Geneva, and speakers, for ILS sessions to take place at UNOG or in combination with visits to other relevant organizations. Prepares and carries out Seminar visits to selected Specialized Agencies and/or International Organizations and places of interest.

• Organizes and participates in the selection process of ILS candidates. Acts as member of the ILS Selection Panel.

• Establishes timely contact with the selected ILS participants to identify their specific interests, enhance their level of preparedness through sharing selected documentation via e-mail; informs them of the topical Working Groups to be set up and obtains their advance indication as to their participation in the Working Groups.

• Conducts all Seminar activities, through the introduction of subjects and speakers, and facilitates active involvement of all participants. Participates as a lecturer on various legal issues.

• In close consultation with relevant members of the ILC or other legal experts, ensures the smooth functioning of the Working Groups of the Seminar and the adoption of a realistic work programme and sound methodology. Serves as a resource person for timely production of Working Group reports.

• Supervises and coordinates production of collection of Seminar proceedings.

• Undertakes post-Seminar evaluation on the overall quality of the Seminar and its component parts to identify areas for improvement of future editions of the ILS, including the research, selection process, planning, and preparation stages.

• Prepares letters of appreciation to members of the ILC and others who have actively contributed to the success of the 57th session of the ILS.

• Advises the Legal Office, including the Director of the ILS, on all organizational and academic aspects of the Seminar. Brings to his attention any issues which may require his involvement.

• Performs other duties as appropriate.

• Reports required: Prepares the final official ILS report, to be included as the chapter on the ILS in the annual report of the ILC to the 6th Committee of the General Assembly. Prepares information relating to the ILS, to be included in the Interim Secretary General’s Report for the Advisory Committee on the Programme of Assistance.

Qualifications/special skills

A minimum of five years of UN experience is required. Applies good legal judgment and representation, and, in accordance with applicable legal policies, rules and practices, protects the interests of the organization. Ability to coordinate with ILC members under a short-time frame. Good knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and conducts research and analyzes information on a wide range of legal issues.
Experience in the coordination of law seminars is required.
Applies good legal judgment and representation, and, in accordance with applicable legal policies, rules and practices, protects the interests of the organization is requested.
Good knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and conducts research and analyzes information on a wide range of legal issues is desirable.
Experience in the work of the International Law Commission is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English and French are required. Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Additional Information

The ILS is designed for postgraduate students in international law, young scholars, government officials as well as young lawyers in the field of international law, to widen their knowledge of both the work of the ILC and of the codification and progressive development of international law. It also provides an opportunity for young lawyers from different legal systems and cultures to exchange views regarding items on the agenda of the Commission.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.