Position at the Hague Conference in International Family Law

The Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) is seeking a Legal Officer (full-time).

JOB DESCRIPTION: He or she will work in the areas of international family law and international child protection and be part of a team, under the direction of the responsible First Secretary, supporting the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention and the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention. Additionally, the Legal Officer will work on a variety of projects arising from recommendations made by various Special Commissions, including international family mediation and the private international law issues surrounding the status of children (including international surrogacy arrangements).

Duties may further include comparative research on general aspects of cross-border family law, work on the international child abduction database (INCADAT), drafting of research papers and other documentation, drafting and general preparation of materials for publication, answering daily requests for information relating to the relevant Conventions, preparation for meetings (including Special Commission meetings), assistance in the preparation of and participation in conferences, seminars and training programmes, giving presentations and lectures on issues related to international family law, and such other work as may be required by the Secretary General from time to time.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant will have a good knowledge of private international law, particularly in the areas of international family law and international child protection. Familiarity with comparative law and public international law is desirable as is knowledge of civil law systems. He or she will have excellent language skills (oral and drafting) in at least one official language of the Hague Conference (English or French), and should have a good working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of a third language is an asset. He or she will be sensitive with regard to different legal cultures, and any experience with non-western cultures would be helpful. He or she should work well in a team and respond well to time-critical requests. Five to 10 years experience as a lawyer in private practice or in an academic or research institution, or as a government official or an official with an International Organisation is required. Type of appointment and duration: two-year contract, with the possibility for renewal. Grade (Co-ordinated Organisations scale): +/- A1/1 subject to relevant experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Deadline for applications: 4 January 2012

Applications should be made by e-mail, with Curriculum Vitae, letter of motivation and at least two references, to be addressed to the Secretary General, e-mail: secretariat@hcch.net