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International Organization for Migration

Legal Officer (P)

Geneva, SwitzerlandGrade P-2Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)IOM
Closing in 5 daysPosted Jul 1, 2026

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

  • Internal candidates
Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

The Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) provides legal advice to the Director General (DG), the Deputy Directors General (DDG), Regional Offices (ROs), Country Offices (Cos), and other Departments and Offices of the Organization. The Office provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the legal framework governing International Organization for Migration (IOM), including the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM internal governance and administrative instruments and international law.

The Office of Legal Affairs is comprised of the Office of the Legal Counsel, the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division (LEGPS), the Contract Law Division (LEGCR), the General and Administrative Law Division (LEGGL), as well as Regional Legal Hubs.

The Institutional Law and Programme Support Division (LEGPS) provides legal advice on the structure, mandate and functions of the Organization, based on the IOM’s Constitution, other basic texts, such as the Rules of Procedure of the IOM Council and Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance, relevant Council decisions and international law. The Division also deals with core questions of IOM’s legal status and privileges and immunities; provides advice to ensure a sound legal basis for the Organization’s legal relationship with States, the United Nations and other international organizations; supports the work of the IOM governing bodies; advises on the legal aspects of IOM operations and organizational policies; and provides advice to field offices and Headquarters to ensure that personal data are collected, used, transferred or otherwise processed in accordance with the IOM data protection legal framework.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of LEGPS and direct supervision of a Senior Legal Officer, the Legal Officer will work in the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division (LEGPS) to assist in providing timely, accurate legal advice and other services related to the institutional law and programme support areas.

  • Undertake legal research and analysis, and prepare background notes, and preliminary drafts of legal opinions and studies on a wide range of substantive and procedural issues relating to public international law, such as mandate, status, governance and privileges and immunities of IOM, intellectual property, international human rights, international humanitarian law, and other legal aspects of IOM operations, including the transfer and disclosure of data.
  • Prepare first drafts of legal advice on requests pertaining to IOM legal status and privileges and immunities, and draft related correspondence.
  • Prepare first drafts and assist in the review of host country agreements and framework agreements with other UN entities of strategic importance for the Organization.
  • Assist in the review, drafting and interpretation of various organizational regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Contribute to the delivery of LEG outputs under the Office’s annual workplan.
  • Attend internal and external meetings and conferences relevant to the work of LEGPS as may be required.
  • Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in Public International Law, or a related field, from an accredited academic institution, with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • Bachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited academic institution, with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience (or four years for Bachelor’s degree holders) in Public International Law, in particular, the Law of International Organizations, Human Rights Law or International Humanitarian Law;
Experience working in an international organization, preferably in the United Nations (UN) system, is an advantage.

Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of public international law required;
  • Knowledge of the law of privileges and immunities is an advantage;
  • Knowledge of international humanitarian law is an advantage;
  • Knowledge of international human rights law is an advantage;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Excellent research and analytical skills, with meticulous attention to detail, enabling thorough and comprehensive legal analysis; and,
Ability to effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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