Legal Advisor – P5 (re-advertisement)

Company: IRENA

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. At present, IRENA has 151 Members (150 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 29 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. 

The Division of Strategic Management and Executive Direction (SMED) provides direct and immediate support to the Director-General in the execution of his strategic and management responsibilities. 

Under the supervision of the Director of SMED, the Legal Advisor will have the following duties: 

• Serves as an expert in one or more areas of concentration, and independently handles a wide range of multi-disciplinary and complex legal matters involving issues relating to international public, private, administrative and intellectual property law, and interpretation and application of instruments in those areas of concentration;
• Provides advice on the Agency's institutional and administrative processes, including related to IRENA governing bodies, Staff Regulations and Rules, Financial Regulations and Procedures, and associated administrative issuances;
• Contributes to the preparation of revisions to the Agency’s institutional and administrative processes, and to the review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments for IRENA;
• Provides advice on the status, mandate, privileges and immunities and related responsibilities of the Agency and its personnel, and liaises with the Host Countries and other Members of the Agency as needed to explain the Agency’s position on these matters;
• Advises on and supervises the review, negotiation and drafting of contracts for procurement of goods and services, memoranda of understanding, donor agreements, legal submissions, and other legal documents;
• Provides support and legal counsel as necessary on human resources related matters;
• Advises on different matters of legal implications, including the use of maps, statistics, logo, copyright issues, etc.;
• Provides assistance in the preparation of the governing bodies meetings, and serves on or represents the Agency at these meetings as needed;
• Ensures the supervision of junior staff as appropriate;
• Perform any other duties as assigned. 

Competencies 

Professionalism: Thorough knowledge of public international law and law of international organizations, including legal procedures and instruments. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in complex cases. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues. Proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal opinions, legal submissions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents, as required. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and international organizations, including UN system. 

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports group and acts in accordance with final decision; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients. 

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Qualifications 

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with specialization in public international law or administrative law. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of relevant legal experience, with at least five years as a lawyer in the legal office of an intergovernmental organization.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.  Other languages of relevance to the work of the Agency is an asset. 

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