JOB VACANCY: HEAD, LEGAL & INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe
Position: HEAD, LEGAL & INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Reports To: DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS & INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Job Type: Contract
Available Slots: 1
Application Deadline: 25 April 2025
Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term contract of five (5) years (renewable, subject to satisfactory performance)
Nationality: To be eligible for appointment, candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the Organization. Nationals of unrepresented Member States namely, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, and Somalia are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Purpose
To support the implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy and work program. Assist in the provision of legal advice on technical, administrative, contractual, and general legal matters in respect to the depositary functions of the ARIPO administered treaties. Support compliance with internal rules and applicable laws.
Key Result Areas
• Implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy
• Corporate Governance and Legal Advisory
• Technical Support Services
• International Cooperation
Principal Duties
1. Draft contributions to legal affairs and international cooperation strategy and program performance reports.
2. Compile data for the review and simplification of the ARIPO Legal Framework for ease of doing business.
3. Assist the ARIPO Member States Parties in drafting and giving legal effect to instruments and agreements they may negotiate and conclude within the
ARIPO legal framework.
4. Prepare papers and briefs on the harmonisation of IP Laws in the Member States.
5. Provide support in negotiations, disputes, consultations, and other legal proceedings as may be assigned.
6. Prepare legal opinions in relation to the Organization’s activities, Intellectual Property (IP) protocols, contracts, and policies and make recommendations on
how to resolve challenges and risks.
7. Provide counsel to Directorates and Departments and staff in terms of interpretation of policies, rules, and procedures and in instances where legal clarity
may be required.
8. Review existing contracts, terms and conditions and propose amendments as may be necessary.
9. Provide technical support to the IP Directorate and Working Groups regarding interpretation of Protocols, processing of applications and handling of User
inquiries, claims and any disputes.
10. Advise on a range of legal issues impacting ARIPO by reviewing issues, ascertaining applicable and appropriate legal and risk management practices, and
recommending courses of action to management.
11. Draft policy briefs, briefing notes, and papers for senior management to support international cooperation initiatives.
12. Participate in liaison with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders on relevant matters.
13. Assist in drafting protocols for new ARIPO mandates.
14. Assist in the delivery of secretarial support services to the Governing Bodies of ARIPO.
15. Support performance management initiatives.
Qualification and Experience
Competencies and Skills required
• Excellent legal drafting skills, including the ability to write clear, precise, and unambiguous legal language.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international law and/or administrative law, as well as the practical application of legal principles, concepts, and policy to a range of
legal issues in the area of public international law or the law of international organizations.
• Adept at conducting legal research to understand complex legal issues and to ensure the drafted legislation complies with relevant laws and regulations.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship building and reporting skills.
• Change management, creativity, and innovation capability.
Conditions Of Employment
Salary and allowances on the first appointment shall be those applicable to Grade L3 Step 1 of the ARIPO salary scales of the Professional Service Category.
Base Salary: US$56,244 per annum
Benefits include:
• Post Adjustment Allowance;
• Payment of travel and removal expenses;
• Once-off installation grant;
• Education grant of US$9,000 per year for each eligible dependent child up to a maximum of three children;
• Housing allowance;
• Dependency allowance of US$1,800 per year for a dependent child;
• Contributory medical insurance/medical aid scheme;
• 30 days annual leave; and
• Paid home leave every two years.
Medical examination
The appointment is subject to a satisfactory United Nations-type medical examination to be conducted by an ARIPO-nominated medical practitioner.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
N/B: Candidates who previously applied for this position need not to reapply as their applications are being considered.