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: 31 March 2024
Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term contract of five (5) years (renewable, subject to 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, Sao Tome and Principe, 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 with 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
• Performance Management
Principal Duties
1. Draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports.
2. Provide support in the preparation and implementation of the legal and international cooperation program of activities.
3. Compile data for the review and simplification of the ARIPO Legal Framework for ease of doing business.
4. Draft protocols for new ARIPO mandates.
5. Assist in the delivery of company secretarial support services to the Governing Bodies of ARIPO.
6. Provide support in negotiations, disputes, consultations, and other proceedings as may be assigned.
7. Prepare legal opinions in relation to the Organization’s activities, Intellectual Property (IP) protocols, contracts, and policies, rules, and procedures and in
instances where legal clarity may be required.
8. Provide counsel to Directorates, Departments and staff with respect to their areas of concern in terms of interpretation of policies, rules, and procedures and
in instances where legal clarity may be required.
9. Collect data for the preparation of legal analysis and briefings on strategic initiatives and policies.
10. Review existing contracts, terms and conditions and propose amendments in the same as may be necessary.
11. Provide technical support to the IP Directorate and Working Groups regarding interpretation of Protocols, processing of applications and handling of User
inquiries and any disputes.
12. Participate in the legal review of ARIPO Industrial and Intellectual Property Protocols, and Regulations to support the ease of doing business.
13. Prepare papers and briefs on the harmonisation of IP Laws in the Member States.
14. Provide expert advice on the resolution of claims arising under IP Protocols and contracts.
15. 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.
16. Draft policy briefs, briefing notes, and papers for senior management to support international cooperation initiatives.
17. Participate in liaison with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders on relevant matters.
18. Undertake representational duties as may be assigned.
Qualification and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience as a negotiator or legal advisor at a national, regional,
continental, or international organization
• Master’s in Business Administration Degree (MBA) is desirable.
• Experience in the Intellectual Property field is an added advantage.
Competencies and Skills required
• Excellent legal drafting skills, includes the ability to write clear, precise, and unambiguous legal language.
• Adept at conducting legal research to understand complex legal issues and to ensure the drafted legislation complies with relevant laws and regulations.
• 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.
• Independent judgement, organising, problem-solving, analysis and decision making.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship building and reporting skills.
• Change management, creativity, and innovation capability.
Conditions Of Employment
Salary and allowances on first appointment shall be those applicable to Grade L3 Step 1 of the ARIPO salary scales of the professional category.
Base Salary: US$49,877 per annum
Benefits include:
• Post Adjustment Allowance: 42.7% of base salary (this varies depending on the rise and fall in value of the United States dollar);
• 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 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