Senior Legal Expert in Administrative Law (Roster)

Organization Profile

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. This is a complex global challenge that can be tackled effectively through cross-cutting programs that address a variety of difficult, interconnected issues.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons from conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, migration and other causes and to assist them in doing so. To learn more about ICMP click here.

Purpose of the role 

ICMP is seeking to establish a roster of Senior Legal Experts in Administrative Law to provide, on a needs basis, strategic and high-level legal advice on matters relating to the administration and management of the organization. The consultancy will support the Head of the Legal Unit and Principal Legal Advisor in overseeing complex legal issues related to internal governance, personnel policies, institutional risk management, and staff grievances. The consultancy may also involve strengthening ICMP’s internal legal and policy framework in line with best practices in international administrative law.

Key Deliverables

In coordination with, and under the oversight of, the Head of Legal Unit and Principal Legal Advisor, the Legal Expert will, when required:

• Provide legal advice and analysis on complex matters relating to internal governance, institutional policies, and organizational compliance.
• Support the review, interpretation, and development of personnel policies, procedures, and administrative frameworks to ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.
• Assist in identifying, assessing, and managing legal risks associated with institutional operations, governance, and human resources matters.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions, memoranda, briefing notes, and other legal documents on issues related to governance, employment, and institutional risk.
• Advise on staff appeals of administrative decisions, disciplinary matters, workplace disputes, and other employment-related issues, ensuring adherence to due process and organizational policies.
• Review and draft legal documents, policies, guidelines, and internal governance instruments as required.
• Support the handling of sensitive and complex legal matters, including investigations, dispute resolution, and conflict management, where appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure legal considerations are integrated into organizational decision-making and policy implementation.
• Monitor developments in relevant legal and regulatory frameworks and provide recommendations on their implications for the organization.

• Prepare legal reports, presentations, and briefing materials for senior management and governance bodies, as required.
• Contribute to strengthening institutional governance and legal compliance by identifying opportunities for policy and process improvements.
• Perform any other legal advisory and support functions assigned by the Head of Legal and Principal Legal Advisor that are consistent with the scope of the consultancy.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Law.

• Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible legal experience, with significant practical and advisory experience in the international administrative and employment law.

• Previous experience working in or advising an international or intergovernmental organization.

• Expert knowledge of international administrative jurisprudence and practice experience   with legal proceedings before international administrative tribunals or dispute resolution bodies.

• Professional fluency in written and spoken English; additional language skills (e.g., Arabic, French) are an asset.

• Exceptional analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• Proven ability to advise senior leadership and manage sensitive legal matters with discretion and sound judgment.

Duration 

Subject to the timing of the recruitment process, the duration of the consultancy roster is envisaged to be for a two-year period, from 1 September 2026 to 1 September 2028.

Other conditions 

The consultant must:

• Be available to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, when required to respond to urgent or time-sensitive legal matters, investigations, or organizational priorities.
• Be able to undertake duty travel to The Hague and other locations, as required, to provide in-person legal support, attend meetings, participate in hearings or consultations, and engage with key stakeholders
• While this is a remote position, the consultant must be eligible to travel to and enter the Netherlands without requiring sponsorship or other immigration support from ICMP. The consultant will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required visas, permits, or travel authorizations.

Compensation 

This is a fixed-term, part-time consultancy. The consultancy duration and working schedule will be discussed and agreed upon with the relevant consultant. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must be submitted in English. ICMP does not accept applications in any other language.

Deadline for Applications: Ongoing.

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

ICMP may cancel this recruitment without notice or may decide to offer a position with different duties and/or contract length.

ICMP does not request payment during any stage of the selection process.