Background
The International Court of Justice wishes to appoint a number of Law Clerks, each of whom will provide research and other legal assistance to one of the judges of the Court. For administrative purposes, the Law Clerks are attached to the Department of Legal Matters of the Registry. This is a two years fixed term contract, renewable once for a second two-year period.
Functions
Under the supervision of the judge to whom he or she is specifically assigned, the Law Clerk will provide such judge with legal research and related assistance with regard to cases pending before the Court. The Law Clerk may also be required to provide legal assistance and support to a judge ad hoc participating in a particular case. In co-ordination with his or her judge, the Law Clerk may also from time to time be called upon to perform some specific legal tasks for the Registry.
Qualifications and Skills
An advanced university degree in law, with significant academic background in public international law or professional experience in the field; a first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Postgraduate studies in public international law would be an asset.
Two years’ experience in the settlement of international legal disputes with an international organization, government, law firm or other private sector entity would be desirable.
Languages
French and English are the official languages of the Court. Excellent knowledge of and drafting ability in one of these languages is required, as well as good comprehension of and basic ability to communicate in the other language. Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations would be an asset.
Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
The Court’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but paid in euros. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in the Netherlands and the euro/dollar exchange rate.
In addition, the Court offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days of annual leave, home leave travel after two years, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan and medical insurance.
Selection process
Candidates should apply through the Court’s e-recruitment system. Applicants are specifically requested to provide, at the time of their application, a full PDF copy of their official academic record indicating the level of attainment achieved (e.g., class of degree, GPA, mark awarded, or position in overall ranking) in respect of any university or professional qualification obtained. If the relevant university or authority does not make such information available, that fact should be stated.
Candidates on the shortlist will be tested and interviewed in The Hague, or remotely, towards the end of June 2020. Prospective applicants should be prepared to demonstrate in the exam and interview that they have expertise in a wide range of topics in public international law. Applications that are found by the Court to meet the above criteria may be added to a reserve list in case a similar vacancy arises in the future.
The selected candidates may be subject to a security clearance, including verification of the information provided in the personal history form and a criminal record check. All candidates should be in a position to submit an electronic copy of their passport and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested.
The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified description.
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