Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 18 Nov 2015
Position Title: Legal Support Intern
Duty Station: IOM Headquarters, Geneva
Department: Staff Association Committee
Duration of Assignment: 6 months
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Staff of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is represented by a Staff Association Committee, which counts 16 members elected for two years.
Under the leadership of its chairperson and vice chairs, the Committee of the Staff Association (SAC) promotes the well-being of staff within the Organization, analyses the overall Human Resources processes, together with the Administration, and provides feedback to them, in view of improving the ways the Organization treats its staff. Furthermore, the Committee organizes social events and specific actions which are of interest to its staff.
The successful candidate will be accountable and responsible for assisting in providing legal advice to the SAC and individual staff members, at headquarters and in the field, on the application and interpretation of the Staff Regulations and Rules, policies and procedures in force.
In particular the successful candidate will assist in developing a legal support framework in relation to the establishment of a Global Staff Association.
SUPERVISION
The Intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Chairperson of the Staff Association Committee, in collaboration with the Staff Legal Focal Point and in close cooperation with the Secretariat of the Committee in Geneva.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide the Committee with legal advice on any proposals made by the administration concerning the terms and conditions of employment of staff or legal issues, the terms and conditions of employment at headquarters and in the field, as well as decisions relating to the United Nations common system, emerging inter alia from the General Assembly (Fifth Committee) or the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).
Assist the SAC Chair and SAC Legal Focal Point in advising individually or collectively members of the Staff Association on issues relating to their conditions. Make proposals on individual or collective legal strategies to be adopted in certain situations.
Assist the SAC Chair and SAC Legal Focal Point in liaising with Fortuna Insurance Company and/or with SAC lawyers on technical or legal matters.
Assist the SAC Legal Focal Point with the drafting of updated written guidelines about “SAC Legal Assistance”.
Assist the “Global SAC” working group in devising a “Global SAC legal framework” and in adjusting the current legal assistance framework to the infrastructure and modus operandi of the forthcoming Global Staff Association, once the latter has been identified.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• University degree in international administrative law, public international law or a related field from an accredited academic institution. • The following additional experience will be an advantage: (a) developed research skills and knowledge of the ILOAT or UNAT/UNDT jurisprudence; (b) knowledge of the staff conditions of service under the IOM system or UN common system; (c) experience with privileges and immunities of an intergovernmental organization and its staff as they relate to terms and conditions of employment and detention/subpoena of staff.
Languages • Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English; working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.
COMPETENCIES
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following behavioural and technical competencies:
Behavioural
Accountability • Accepts and gives constructive criticism • Follows all relevant procedures, processes, and policies • Meets deadline, cost, and quality requirements for outputs
Client Orientation • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with clients • Identifies and monitors changes in the needs of clients, including donors, governments, and project beneficiaries
Communication • Actively shares relevant information • Clearly communicates, and listens to feedback on, changing priorities and procedures • Listens effectively and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience
Creativity and Initiative • Actively seeks new ways of improving services and new ways to resolve problems
Planning and Organizing • Sets clear and achievable goals consistent with agreed priorities for self and others. Adjusts priorities and plans to achieve goals
Professionalism • Masters subject matter related to responsibilities • Identifies issues, opportunities, and risks central to responsibilities • Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation • Works effectively with people from different cultures by adapting to relevant cultural contexts • Demonstrates tact and discretion, especially in dealing with confidential matters; shows sensitivity to personal and social issues.
Teamwork • Actively contributes to an effective, collegial, and agreeable team environment • Contributes to, and follows team objectives • Actively supports and implements final group decisions
Technical
• Computer literacy, especially database tools. • Effectively provides sound and clear legal advice using knowledge of IOM mandate, privileges and immunities, and other relevant internal and external regulations and laws. • Adapts best human resources practices to the requirements of IOM staff to facilitate the achievement of SAC strategic objectives. • Shows ability to timely understand the Committee mandate, structure and portfolio. • Anticipates and understands internal and external issues and opportunities that may impact the human resources landscape of IOM.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to send their motivation letter and CV to RecruitmentSAC@iom.int by 18 November 2015, at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only selected candidates will be contacted. A stipend will be provided.