Legal Adviser (P-3)

Career Opportunities: Legal Adviser (P-3) (24171)

Requisition ID: 24171 – Posted: 17/10/2025 – Professional – Legal Affairs – The Hague - NL

The roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post as a result of this selection process for fixed-term appointments against both established posts and positions funded by general temporary assistance (GTA).

Overview

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) investigates and prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The Legal Advisory Section (LAS) provides legal services to the Prosecutor, Deputy Prosecutors and other OTP components on issues spanning international and national law, including public, private, procedural and administrative law. LAS supports the OTP’s functions under the Court’s legal framework, including the Rome Statute and associated Rules and Regulations. The LAS offers drafting, negotiating, advising and litigating services in a dynamic international law practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within this framework and under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Plans and conducts extensive research and analysis;
• Drafts complex legal documents including legal submissions, correspondence, memoranda, opinions and briefs;
• Provides advice to client sections and assists in advising the Prosecutor, the Deputy Prosecutors and other senior OTP officials;
• Negotiates agreements with a variety of parties;
• Provides legal services in assigned area(s) of specialization;
• Performs other or additional duties as assigned by the Senior Legal Adviser.

The duties may involve matters in the following areas:

• External relations: advisement on public international law matters, treaties, contracts, MoUs and notes verbale; advice on international institutional law;
• Administrative issues: drafting related to compliance, regulatory matters, procurement processes, and international administrative law;
• Litigation: represents the OTP in internal and external dispute settlement, including tribunals and arbitration; drafts and reviews submissions, opinions and settlement agreements.

Essential Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in law with specialization in international criminal law and/or public international law; a first-level degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Bar admission: Bar admission or equivalent (e.g., solicitor) is an asset.

Experience: Minimum of five years (seven years with a first-level degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in a legal environment relevant to the Court’s work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of the law governing the Court and international criminal law and/or public international law, including institutional law.
• Strong drafting, research and advisory skills.
• Ability to organize work to ensure timeliness and quality; thorough knowledge of the law and stakeholder interests.
• Analytical, communication, negotiation, diplomatic and advocacy skills; interpersonal sensitivity.
• Understanding of the Court’s legal, political, administrative, financial and procedural framework.
• Knowledge of electronic document and information management systems.
• Judgment, initiative and ability to drive innovation and efficient practices.
• Proven customer service orientation within an international organization and multicultural environment.
• Decision-making skills to translate strategic plans into concrete actions.
• Professionalism and integrity.

Languages

Proficiency in English or French is required, with working knowledge of the other being desirable; knowledge of another official ICC language is an asset.

Leadership and Core Competencies

ICC Leadership Competencies: Purpose, Collaboration, People, Results. ICC Core Competencies: Dedication to mission and values, Professionalism, Teamwork, Learning and development, Handling uncertain situations, Interaction, Realising objectives.

General Information

Post to be filled by a national of a State Party to the ICC Statute, or in line with ASP resolutions related to nationality; applications from women are encouraged. The ICC aims for fair representation of women and men and diverse legal systems and geographical representation. The selected candidate will undergo a Personnel Security Clearance process. Applicants may check vacancy status on the ICC E-Recruitment site.

Notes: The ICC may apply the Inter-Organization Mobility Accord and support secondments; preferences may apply as per policy.