Senior Counsel

Vacancy Notice 1518

 

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: Senior Counsel 
Reporting To: Director Institutional Affairs/ Deputy General Counsel
Location: Lyon
Type of contract: Fixed-term Contract
Duration (in months): 24.00  
Grade: 3   
Number of post: 1
Level of Security screening:  Enhanced
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 two 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.

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF THE ASSIGNED DUTIES, INCLUDING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POST

 

 

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 protecting the Organization’s legal interests through 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.

 

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy General Counsel responsible for institutional affairs, the Senior Counsel/Coordinator provides high-level advisory services on institutional and treaty-related matters, contributing to the implementation of the Organization’s strategic legal objectives and coordination of cross-directorate initiatives.

 

The incumbent is responsible for advancing the implementation and promotion of the General Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the ICPO-INTERPOL (GAPI), bilateral host state agreements for regional bureaus and other duty stations, and temporary agreements for statutory meetings in close coordination with heads of department in other relevant units. The post focuses on facilitating legal assistance to Member States, and ensuring coherence among related legal instruments and partnership agreements.

 

Given his/her experience, he/she is an important source of proposals to his/her superiors. The incumbent supervises the work of any officials in lower grades under his/her authority, either on a permanent basis or as part of a specific matter or project.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES

 

DUTY 1: Treaty Implementation and Legal Advisory

• Provide authoritative legal advice and support to facilitate the implementation of the General Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities and related instruments, including the interpretation of obligations, preparat