Legal Officer (P4) – International Climate Body

About the role

The Legal Officer will support the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) under the supervision of the Secretary and in cooperation with the WMO Legal Counsel. This senior position involves handling complex legal matters, providing advice on procedural and substantive issues, and ensuring compliance with IPCC and WMO regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Handle complex legal and procedural matters related to the IPCC and its activities.
• Provide legal advice on interpretation and application of IPCC Rules, Procedures, and other constitutive instruments.
• Conduct legal research, prepare comparative studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Review legal documents, identify issues, inconsistencies and advise on follow‑up actions.
• Manage copyright permission requests for IPCC material.
• Implement the IPCC Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Assist in reviewing observer organization applications and maintain the accredited observers list.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with governments, UN bodies and NGOs.
• Draft and review memoranda of understanding and other contracts with partners.
• Coordinate with WMO Legal Counsel to ensure consistent legal advice across both organisations.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international law or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressive legal experience, including three to four years at the international level, preferably within the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated expertise in public international law, law of international organisations, and administrative law.
• Proven experience drafting, negotiating and reviewing MoUs, contracts, intellectual‑property, conflict‑of‑interest and observer‑accreditation matters.
• High integrity, sound legal judgement and ability to handle confidential matters.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.