Hague Conference Seeks to Hire New Legal Officer

The Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law is seeking to recruit a new Legal Officer.

He or she will have a law degree (Master of Laws, J.D., or equivalent), good knowledge of private international law as well as familiarity with comparative and civil law and will work primarily in the areas of international family law, child protection, and international litigation and be part of the legal team, under the direction of two First Secretaries supporting the relevant Hague Conventions and projects.

Duties will include comparative law research, preparation of research papers and other documentation, organisation and preparation of materials for publication, including The Judges’ Newsletter on International Child Protection, assistance in the preparation of and participation in conferences, seminars and training programmes, and such other work as may be required by the Secretary General from time to time.

The successful applicant will preferably be a French native speaker, or if not, will have full bilingual abilities in French, written and spoken language. He or she should have excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of a third language (in particular Spanish) is an asset. He or she will be sensitive to different legal cultures. Experience in publishing / editing is a plus. He or she should work well in a team, be able to work in more than one area of law, and respond well to time-critical requests. Additional legal or academic work experience would be an advantage.

Type of appointment and duration: one-year contract, possibly renewable.

Starting date: 1 September 2013.

Grade (Hague Conference adaptation of Co-ordinated Organisations scale): A/1 subject to relevant experience.

Deadline for applications: 31 May 2013.

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, at: secretariat@hcch.net.