Vacancy Notice 1402

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. 

INTERPOL strives to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To achieve our Diversity goals, we encourage applications from women and nationals of under/unrepresented member countries who are passionate about our mission. INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

Job Title: Legal Officer  
Reporting To: Senior Counsel/Coordinator
Location: Lyon
Type of contract: Fixed-term Contract
Duration (in months): 24.00
Grade: 5   
Number of post: 1
Level of Security screening:  Basic
Deadline for application: 20 November 2025

Conditions applying for all candidates

Only professional experience for which candidates can provide official proof of employment will be considered. Candidates could be requested to provide copies of such official documents prior to interviews/test.

* This position has a temporary nature and carries, in principle, no expectation of renewal. Any potential subsequent extension will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

Tests/interviews in connection to this selection procedure will take place approximately 1/3 weeks after the deadline for applications. Applicants are kindly requested to plan their availability during this period accordingly, in case they are short-listed.

​Selected candidates will be expected to report for duty approximately one to three months after receiving an offer of employment at the latest.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to address Organization's similar staffing needs in the future.

The Executive Directorate Legal Affairs (EDLA) assists the Organization in achieving its aims by ensuring that all its activities and programmes are conducted in accordance with INTERPOL’s legal framework. The core mission of EDLA consists in the provision of substantive and impartial legal advice to the Secretary General, to the bodies of the Organization and to other Executive Directorates of the General Secretariat, in order to promote and develop the rule of law in all aspects of INTERPOL’s activities. EDLA defends INTERPOL against claims arising from its activities and programmes. Within EDLA, the Institutional Affairs Directorate (IAF) headed by the Deputy General Counsel provides legal and strategic support on institutional and administrative matters.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Counsel/Coordinator, the incumbent contributes in EDLA/IAF to the provision of legal services relating to INTERPOL’s institutional status, privileges and immunities, and participation in multilateral initiatives. The incumbent specifically contributes to the implementation and promotion of the General Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the ICPO-INTERPOL (GAPI) and related legal instruments, assisting in research, drafting, and inter-directorate coordination to strengthen INTERPOL’s legal and institutional frameworks. The incumbent also assists in enhancing INTERPOL’s participation in multilateral legal processes and supporting its partnerships through sound legal analysis and drafting.

DUTY 1: Advice and Legal research

• Conduct legal research and prepare background notes, draft opinions, and memoranda on matters relating to public international law, the law of international organizations, and privileges and immunities.
• Assist in the drafting and review of agreements, host country arrangements, and related instruments under the direct supervision of the Senior Counsel/Coordinator.
• Contribute to the interpretation and application of INTERPOL’s Constitution and other internal regulations relevant to institutional affairs.

DUTY 2: Support to Treaty Implementation and Multilateral Engagement

• Assist in monitoring the implementation of the General Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities and related bilateral or regional agreements, supporting coordination with Member States and external partners.
• Participate in the organization of treaty-related meetings, working groups, and signature events, ensuring procedural accuracy and compliance with public international law.

DUTY 3: Inter-Directorate Coordination and Partnership Support

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Directorate Partnerships and Planning (EDPP), Cabinet, and other directorates to align legal work with institutional, diplomatic, and strategic priorities.
• Support the drafting of correspondence and background materials for senior management and external relations purposes.

DUTY 4: Institutional Development and Legal Drafting

• Assist in the preparation or revision of internal legal instruments, procedures, and policy directives related to privileges and immunities or international partnerships. Ensure clarity and coherence of legal texts through meticulous drafting and review.

DUTY 5: Outreach and Training

• Support the preparation of presentations, briefings, and training materials on international law and institutional matters for INTERPOL staff, National Central Bureaus (NCBs), and partner organizations.

Education and qualification required:

• A minimum of three to four years of completed education in law.
• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law or the law of international organizations, would be a strong asset.
• Demonstrated academic excellence and interdisciplinary understanding of the intersection between international law, diplomacy, and institutional governance.

Experience required:

• At least three years of working experience as a lawyer in the field of international law.
• Demonstrated practical skills in applying international legal principles to diverse factual situations.
• Experience in legal research, drafting, and negotiation of international instruments is desirable.

languages:

• Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other working languages (Arabic, French and Spanish) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of a third working language of the Organization would be an asset.

Specific skills:

• Strong analytical and drafting skills, with attention to accuracy and clarity.
• Sound understanding of the diplomatic and operational context of an international organization.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to work effectively under supervision, while progressively building autonomy and judgment.
• Capacity to synthesize complex information and apply academic knowledge to practical institutional challenges.
• Proficiency in standard office and legal research software.