Hague Conference Seeks New Secretary General

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The Hague Conference is seeking to recruit its next Secretary General.

The Hague Conference on Private International Law, the world’s leading organisation for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law based in The Hague, the Netherlands, is looking for an outstanding lawyer to fill on 1 July 2013, the post of

Secretary General

In addition to a distinguished career in his/her field (intergovernmental, governmental, academic, legal practice or other), the ideal candidate has excellent knowledge of private international law, good knowledge of comparative private law, a sound understanding of public international law, extensive experience in the practice of law including international negotiations, a creative mind and a vision of the future role of the Hague Conference in the context of an increasingly complex and globalising legal environment.

A national of a Member State of the Hague Conference, he/she should be able to foster excellent working relationships with Member States’ Governments, authorities and diplomatic representatives as well as Member Organisations and to lead an international highly qualified team of legal professionals and administrative support staff. Broad management experience including strategic and financial planning, fund-raising ability as well as excellent communication and interpersonal relations skills are essential prerequisites.

Fluency in English and French is required. Working knowledge of other major languages, such as Spanish, is an asset.

Duties and responsibilities

The Secretary General is in charge of:

  • preparation and organisation of the Diplomatic Sessions of the Conference, Council meetings and Special Commissions;
  • implementing the work programme in conformity with the priorities and policies established by the Council on General Affairs and Policy;
  • managing the human and financial resources of the Hague Conference;
  • reporting to the Council on General Affairs and Policy and to Diplomatic Conferences (on the implementation of the work programme) and to the Council of Diplomatic Representatives (on financial matters); and
  • representing the Hague Conference in its relations with the host Government and its authorities, other Governments and their agencies as well as intergovernmental and non-governmental Organisations.

Duration of the appointment: 5 years (renewable subject to satisfactory performance).

Salary: A7.1 (Scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations).

Applications should be submitted by e-mail no later than 14 September 2012 to the

Chairman of the Council on General Affairs and Policy
E-mail: DJZ-CR@minbuza.nl

The applications should include a CV, list of publications and a letter setting forth the candidate’s vision of his/her role as Secretary General.

Please note that only the candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The current Secretary General is Hans Van Loon, who has held this position since 1996 and worked at the Permanent Bureau in other capacities since 1978.