Senior Legal Advisor at Organization Of The Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Job Code: 1.1.08

Description

• Within the Secretariat, The Legal Office contributes to the conduct of the affairs of the Organization by overseeing the application of the rule of law principles and applicable rules, regulations and procedures within the Organization and in its relation with governments, organizations, enterprises and individuals, and by maintaining and defending the legal claims and interest of the Organization.
• The Office participates in the drafting and negotiations of contracts and agreements with external entities.
• The Office clears all documents that may generate legal obligations or risks for the Organization.
• It provides legal opinions and proposes amendments in respect of the Organization’s regulations.
• It monitors developments of relevant legal aspects pertaining to energy, petroleum, environmental and energy transition, nationally and internationally, conducts research and publishes up to date legal articles on recent and emergent trends.
• It promotes, protects and advances the interests of the Organization and its Member Countries in international forums. It advises regarding the involvement of the Organizations in external engagements or projects.

Objective of Position

• Under the overall supervision of the General Legal Counsel, the Senior Legal Advisor provides expert legal guidance and strategic counsel to support the legal needs of an international organization; handles complex legal matters, ensuring compliance with international laws and regulations, contributing to the Organization’s overall mission and objectives

Main Responsibilities

• Provides strategic legal advice on legal matters affecting the Organization’s operations, projects, and initiatives.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates complex international contracts, agreements, and partnerships, ensuring legal compliance and protection of the Organization's interests.
• Identifies legal risks and opportunities, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate potential legal issues while fostering a culture of compliance.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with international laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to the Organization's operations.
• Develops and implements compliance programmes as necessary.
• Handles or oversees the management of disputes, litigation, and arbitration involving the Organization. Collaborates with external legal counsel and Appeals Committee, when required.
• Advises on corporate governance matters, including meetings of the Board of Governors, Member Country relations, and regulatory reporting, as needed.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the Secretariat’s policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure legal compliance and best practices.
• Stays updated on international legal developments, treaties, conventions, and regulations relevant to the Organization's operations.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external legal partners, regulatory authorities, government agencies, and professional associations as needed for the execution of his/her tasks.
• Promotes a culture of ethical behavior and legal awareness within the Secretariat, including provision of legal training and guidance to internal teams as needed.
• Carries out any other tasks assigned by the General Legal Counsel as pertain to his/her background, qualifications and position.

Required Competencies and Qualifications
Educational Qualification:

• University Degree in Law
• Advanced degree in International Law or related field preferred
• Active license to practice law at least one relevant jurisdiction(s)

Work Experience:

• University degree: 8 years with a min. of 3 years at the international level
• Advanced degree: 6 years with a min. of 3 years at the international level

Training Specializations
Experience and/or training in at least one of the following areas:

• Public International Law
• Comparative Energy Law
• International Administrative Law
• Law of International Organizations
• International Trade Law
• Human Rights Law
• International Development Law
• Other relevant specializations in international law

Competencies:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical and presentation skills
• Customer service orientation
• Initiative and integrity

Language:

• English; German an asset

Status and Benefits

• Members of the Secretariat are international employees whose responsibilities are not national but exclusively international. In carrying out their functions they have to demonstrate the personal qualities expected of international employees such as integrity, independence and impartiality.
• The post is at grade E reporting to the General Legal Counsel. The compensation package, including expatriate benefits, is commensurate with the level of the post.