Embassy of Belgium Recruitment for Legal Expert / Diplomatic Analyst

The Embassy of Belgium invites applications from suitably qualified personnel for the position below:

Job Title: Legal Expert / Diplomatic Analyst

Location: Abuja

Details

• Under the direct supervision of the Consul and the Ambassador of the Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria, the legal expert/diplomatic analyst will function:

As a legal expert:

• Proceed with the preparation and analysis of the files that have legal implications (consular affairs, general affairs and personnel files, public procurements etc.) in order to support the post in the optimal and uniform application of the principles of Belgian, local and international private law.
• Act as the focal point in order to respond to or to provide advice and lines of action in the legal files
• Bring together all relevant documents for the analysis of a file
• Verify (e.g. on the spot) documents issued by local authorities or other third parties
• Read and analyse the documents in a file, draw conclusions and formulate opinions
• Read legal texts (including case law and doctrine) in order to support the analysis
• Draft briefing notes, conclusions and legal arguments for building the file (possibly in cooperation with lawyers handling the case)
• Analyse the rules regarding public procurements for the post (works, purchases of goods and services, etc.) and draw up or help drawing up specifications in compliance with the applicable rules
• Answer questions and explain the rules to the colleagues at the Embassy, at the Belgian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and/or to third parties introduced by the Ambassador  (Note: on no account act as a legal counsel with respect to third parties)
• Detect best practices and propose realistic and optimal solutions for the Embassy and/or for a third party.
• Propose an accurate and documented advice in a reactive or proactive way for every legal question or problem/dispute
• Assess whether it would be advisable to initiate legal proceedings.
• Give advice on public procurements if necessary (questions about the desirability, type of procurement, writing the specifications, legal consequences, disputes etc.)

As a diplomatic analyst:

• Search for, gather, archive, if necessary translate and analyze in a permanent way relevant information obtained via all available means in order to monitor the evolutions in the Embassy’s fields of activity or interest and acquire or reinforce knowledge in these fields.
• Ensure the daily follow-up of the entrusted files in order to help define the position of Belgium and secure its place in Nigeria and to help defend the interests of Belgium, of its nationals and where relevant of its partners linked to the treated files.
• Follow the current events in Nigeria in particular by consulting the relevant publications and by taking part in meetings, briefings, conferences, receptions…
• Write summaries or reports and make analyses for inclusion in the files by using information from different sources in order to obtain coherent conclusions and propose potential decisions or actions taking into account the various options
• Gather various key elements in a coherent whole, analyse them and establish relevant links between source information and various content
• Provide colleagues and the Ambassador with the results of the analyses.

As a "knowledge manager”:

• Search for, bring together and analyze on a permanent basis the relevant information in the area of general law and others which are of particular interest to the Embassy in order to follow new developments, acquire and/or enhance knowledge for supporting the Embassy in the treatment of all legal and diplomatic files.
• Consult specialist literature, do research and follow the latest developments in the areas of law which are of particular interest to the Embassy & draw up reports and/or summary notes on any subject aiming to enhance the Embassy’s capacity in treating legal matters
• Keep country sheets, consular instructions, information about local law, lists of useful contacts and/or all other useful databases up-to-date.
• Search for, gather and archive in an accessible manner the relevant information found: in the media; via formal or informal, internal and external contact points; on the internet; in national and international reports, in the work of international organisations, in discussion forums, etc.
• Participate in internal/external meetings, symposiums/events and/or study days, seminars, etc. organised by third parties in order to widen the Embassy’s network of contacts and collect useful information in the areas which are of particular interest to the Embassy
• Contribute to the writing and regular updating of the Embassy’s periodical reports for the parts that are relevant to these files.

Key Competencies and Required Skills

• Be able to work in a team: Contribute to a good team spirit and a good atmosphere at work by sharing ideas and useful information, listening to the opinions of others, participating in the service's activities, being prepared to help spontaneously or on request and combining strengths, avoiding and resolving disputes.
• Be service-oriented (internal and external users): Give priority to the needs of users (internal and external) and offer a fast, proactive, personalised, effective service (with the required transparency and integrity) and establish constructive contacts.
• Show respect:  Show others respect and be open to their ideas, their opinions and their differences, whether cultural or other. Accept procedures and instructions in accordance with oneself and others.
• Be reliable/trustworthy/loyal: Act honestly, in accordance with the job's requirements, respect ethical principles, including confidentiality and integrity, respect your commitments and avoid any form of partiality.
• Be able to adapt/Be flexible: Adopt a flexible attitude, adapt to changes in various situations. Be flexible in terms of the roles and tasks allocated, working hours and, if necessary, the place of work.
• Be capable of developing yourself: Constantly attempt to progress in your job and, if necessary, take initiatives to develop new skills according to available resources.
• Invest in order to achieve your goals: Be involved, do your utmost and show your wish to achieve your goals and the goals of the service and/or the post. Take responsibility for the quality of the actions undertaken.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Law or related field is a minimum
• Professional and/or study experience abroad is an important asset
• Proven interest in international relations and other diplomatic topics is a must (publications, participation in conferences, additional degrees and/or certificates in relevant trainings, etc)
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in a similar position
• Fluently speaking, writing and reading in English is required. Language proficiency will be tested.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and Power point is a must
• Knowledge of either French or Dutch is an important asset.

Salary
The monthly gross salary is NGN801,209.- monthly & transport and housing allowance is 35,582.- Naira; 8% pension contribution is withheld; accepted medical expenses are reimbursable at 90%. Holidays are 24 working days a year.

Application Closing Date
20th May, 2020

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: [email protected]

Application Procedure
Interested applicants for this position MUST adhere to the following, or the application will not be considered:

• Only electronic submissions sent in 1 email (containing the application letter, cv and additional documentation) will be accepted
• The current resume or curriculum vitae must provide the necessary information.
• Additional documentation must support/address the requirements listed above (e.g. Transcripts, Degrees, Certificates etc.)
• The application letter must be type-written and signed, apply specifically for this position, and address the minimum requirements as advertised.
• Electronic submissions cannot be larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments ONLY in PDF and Word formats, NOT pictures.
• Emails received without the appropriate subject line and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Note

• Mailed (paper/hard copies) applications will NOT be accepted, neither will applications sent to any other email address than [email protected].
• All not resident applicants must have the required work and residency permits to be eligible for consideration.
• Due to the high volume of applications received, only applicants who are being considered will be contacted.