At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in advising on legal questions and drafting legal documents for the Secretariat.
- Company: Join a diverse team within the Office of the General Counsel at the Commonwealth.
- Benefits: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a global community promoting development, democracy, and peace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international law and contribute to global governance.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 7+ years' experience in relevant legal fields.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Location: Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HX, UK
We have an excellent opportunity for a Legal Officer, to work within the Office of the General Counsel. The Office of the General Counsel is a diverse team of international lawyers within the wider Secretary-General's Office. The Legal Officer will assist the General Counsel and the Deputy Legal Counsel in advising the Secretariat on legal questions arising in connection with the work of the Secretariat as an international organisation. Work may span privileges and immunities, international organisations law and international administrative law as well as relevant domestic laws of the UK as host country or of other Commonwealth jurisdictions.
The job holder undertakes research and collaborates with colleagues across the Secretariat to draft legal documents, contributes to legal capacity-building initiatives and training and develops proposals for legal and policy analysis. Strong problem solving and communication skills, discretion and integrity are essential.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Qualified to practise law in a Commonwealth jurisdiction.
- A Master's degree in a relevant area of law from a recognised university would be desirable.
- At least seven (7) years' post-qualification experience in private legal practice, government, non-governmental organisations, international organisations or academia.
- Demonstrated experience of providing legal advice and delivering practical solutions to clients and/or stakeholders through clear and user-friendly written and oral engagement, and of conducting research and preparing analysis on diverse legal issues and drafting legal documents.
- Extensive experience in one or more of the following areas of law: commercial/contract, employment, finance, public sector or charity/not-for-profit, data protection, intellectual property or dispute resolution.
- Demonstrable understanding of public international law, private international law and international administrative law.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
About us: The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations. Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
Legal Officer (Institutional Matters) employer: The Commonwealth
Working as a Legal Officer at Marlborough House in London offers a unique opportunity to be part of a diverse team within the Office of the General Counsel, where you will engage with international law and contribute to meaningful initiatives that impact 2.5 billion people across 56 countries. The Commonwealth fosters a collaborative work culture that values integrity and discretion, providing ample opportunities for professional growth through legal capacity-building and training. With a commitment to shared goals of development, democracy, and peace, this role not only enhances your legal expertise but also allows you to make a significant difference on a global scale.
