Legal Advisor, International Matters at OPEC

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The five Founding Members were later joined by nine other Members: Qatar (1961); Indonesia (1962) – suspended its membership from January 2009; Libya (1962); United Arab Emirates (1967); Algeria (1969); Nigeria (1971); Ecuador (1973) – suspended its membership from December 1992-October 2007; Angola (2007) and Gabon (1975–1994). OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in the first five years of its existence. This was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965.

OPEC's objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.

The Legal Office contributes to the conduct of the affairs of the Organization by promoting the rule of law within the Organization and in its relation with governments, organizations, enterprises and individuals and by maintaining and defending the legal claims and interests of the Organization. The Office participates in the drafting and negotiations of contracts and agreements with external entities. It provides legal support and proposes amendments in respect of the Organization's organs, statutes and programs as well as of financial and staff regulations. It monitors developments of relevant legal aspects pertaining to the energy sector, nationally and internationally, conducts research and publishes up to date legal articles on recent and emergent trends. It protects and advances the interests of the Organization and its Member Countries in international forums.

We are recruiting to fill the following vacant position:

Job Title: Legal Advisor, International Matters

Job Code: 1.1.02

Objective of Position

Under the overall supervision of the General Legal Counsel, the Legal Advisor, International Matters, is to provide legal advice to the Secretary General and to senior management regarding the Organization's relation with external entities. Further, he/she is to address and defend international legal claims and interests of the Organization within the scope of its Statute. He/she is to follow, analyze and advise on issues of national and international legal policies of relevance to OPEC and its Member Countries.

Responsibilities

• Identifies international legal issues of significance to OPEC. Examines, studies and analyzes these with a view to protecting and promoting the Organization's interests, goals and claims.
• Reports on emerging international legal issues of significance to OPEC, draws conclusions regarding possible implications for OPEC and its Member Countries and advises on appropriate responses.
• Conducts research into multilateral agreements relating to the WTO, global climate change, competition, energy and environment in collaboration with OPEC's Research Division.
• In close collaboration with the Environmental Matters Unit, monitors international legal developments at the multilateral level (ICN, WTO, UNCTAD, etc.) and in international legal professional associations with a view to protecting and promoting the interest of the Organization.
• Examines, studies and analyzes relevant national legal systems, policies and practices in the energy sector that may impact on OPEC.
• Provides legal advice and interpretation on legal aspects of the Organization's relations with other entities, including contractual relations, questions of liability, arbitration and claims against the Organization.
• Follows up relevant decisions of the Governing Bodies of the Organization, in particular, regarding legal studies and other international legal issues of significance to OPEC.

Qualifications

• Advanced University degree in International Law (Masters)
• Certified Lawyer
• Six years with a minimum of three years at the international level
• International Competition Law and Policy, or
• International Trade Law, or
• International and Comparative Energy Law, or
• International Environmental Law and Policy, or
• International Law on Foreign Investments
• Other relevant specializations may be considered
• Competencies: Communication skills, analytical skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, initiative and integrity
• Language: English

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.

Requirements

• Applicants must be nationals of Member Countries of OPEC and should not be older than 58 years.

Application Closing Date
10th May, 2013

Method Of Application
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to fill in a résumé and an application form which can be received from their Country's Governor for OPEC.
Federal Republic Of Nigeria
Ambassador Abdulkadir Abdulkadir Musa, Mni
Governor For Opec
Permanent Secretary
Federal Ministry Of Petroleum Resources
6th floor, NNPC Towers, Block D
Central Business District
Abuja, Nigeria