Legal Counsel (Roster)

Positions for Legal Counsel at the International Bureau of the Permanent Court of Arbitration become available from time to time. Qualified applicants can submit an application at any time which may be considered when a position becomes available. This is a vacancy for rostering purposes to have a cadre of qualified applicants available in the event a vacancy arises. Recruitment for Legal Counsel vacancies will be conducted primarily through this roster.

Duties

The duties of Legal Counsel include the provision of legal advice to the Secretary-General and staff of the International Bureau; direct support to arbitral tribunals and parties in PCA proceedings; assistance with PCA services in matters submitted under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules; responding to queries from law firms, governments, and international organizations regarding PCA services; giving presentations about the PCA to groups of visitors at the Peace Palace including judges, lawyers, and students; performing any research, drafting, or representation assignments, and any other tasks as directed by the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary General/Principal Legal Counsel. International travel on short notice may be required in the fulfillment of the Employee’s duties.

Qualifications

Applicants should be admitted to practice law in their home jurisdiction with a minimum of four years of experience in legal practice in arbitration or public international law, preferably at a law firm or an arbitral institution. Fluency in French or English is essential; knowledge of other languages is desirable (especially Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish). The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.  Legal Counsel vacancies are competitive and candidates offered positions will often have qualifications well in excess of these minimums.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV in a single PDF file by e-mail to [email protected].

Recruitment Policy

The PCA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to serving the international community in the field of dispute resolution. It recruits and employs staff based on the highest standards of competence, integrity, and efficiency.

Vacant posts are filled by nationals of Contracting Parties based on the needs and available resources of the organization, particularly in relation to the nature and size of the PCA’s caseload, which can vary from year to year. Due regard is given to maintaining an appropriate mix of men and women, and the need to seek geographical diversity in order to maintain the international character of the institution.

Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.