Project Coordinator – 2025 International Law Seminar

Position description

Successful and smooth holding of the 59th session of the Seminar, from the selection of participants, the creation of an effective and well-structured programme, close collaboration with ILC members and external stakeholders, the organization and supervision of Working Groups, and the preparation of the final working group reports. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Seminar run efficiently and achieve the desired outcomes. Expected Duration The expected duration of this consultancy is 3 months, starting from the commencement of the preparatory phase of the Seminar through to the post-Seminar evaluation and follow-up activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser and Director of the International Law Seminar (ILS), the consultant is responsible for the organizing, conducting and following up on the 59th session of the ILS, expected to be held from 30 June to 18 July 2025 at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The consultant will be required to perform the following duties:

• Conduct legal research on topics on the agenda of the International Law Commission (ILC) for its current quinquennium, particularly those to be discussed during the 76th session in 2025 and select relevant materials and conduct thorough analysis to ensure familiarity with the subjects on the ILC agenda;
• Review applications of ILS candidates and actively participate in the selection process as a member of the ILS Selection Committee, providing input to ensure the selection of qualified participants;
• Coordinates closely with ILC members and the ILC Secretariat to identify appropriate agenda items for lectures given by ILC members. The consultant will also collaborate on selecting suitable legal topics for analysis, research, and reflection within the Working Groups set up during the Seminar. This will involve developing a realistic work programme and ensuring that sound methodologies are adopted throughout the event;
• Establish timely communication with the selected ILS participants to determine their specific interests and enhance their level of preparedness. This will include sharing selected documentation and informing them of the topical Working Groups that will be established. The consultant will also obtain advance indications of participants’ interest in engaging with the Working Groups;
• Identify relevant and topical legal issues associated with the work of the United Nations, its specialized agencies, and other international organizations based in Geneva. The consultant will arrange speakers for lectures and organize visits to specialized agencies and other international organizations that are relevant to the Seminar’s themes;
• Oversee the conduct of all Seminar activities, including introducing subjects and speakers, ensuring active participation from all attendees, and facilitating discussions. The consultant will also be expected to serve as a lecturer on various legal issues;
• Maintain regular consultations with ILC members or other legal experts to ensure the smooth functioning of the Working Groups. The consultant will also support the timely production of Working Group reports, ensuring they meet the necessary standards;
• Supervise and coordinate the production of the Seminar proceedings, ensuring that the final compilation reflects the quality and outcomes of the event;
• Conduct a post-Seminar evaluation to assess the overall quality of the Seminar and its individual components. This evaluation will aim to identify areas for improvement in future editions of the ILS, focusing on the research, selection, planning, and preparation stages;
• Prepare letters of appreciation to be sent to ILC members and others who have contributed significantly to the success of the 59th session of the ILS. These letters will acknowledge the efforts and participation of key stakeholders;
• Provide ongoing advice to the Legal Office, including the Director of the ILS, on organizational and academic aspects of the Seminar. The consultant will bring any issues requiring attention or intervention to the Director’s notice to ensure smooth execution;
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned in relation to the preparation, organization, and follow-up of the Seminar.

Qualifications

• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Applies good legal judgment and representation, and, in accordance with applicable legal policies, rules and practices, protects the interests of the organization is required;
• Knowledge of the ILC and ability to coordinate with ILC members within tight timelines is required;
• Good knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and conducts research and analyzes information on a wide range of legal issues is required;
• Experience in the work of the International Law Commission is required;
• Experience in the coordination of law seminars is required;
• A minimum of five years of UN experience in the field of International Law, Political Science, International Relations or related field is required.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English and French are required. Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on nearmejobs.eu