Requisition 24540, Registry, Office of Public Counsel for the Defence (OPCD). Fixed-term appointment, post number T-3244, at The Hague. Minimum net annual salary is €70,675. A roster of suitable candidates may be established from this selection process.
About the office: The Office of Public Counsel for Defence provides legal support and assistance to legal teams representing accused persons and suspects. This includes legal research and advice and appearing before a Chamber on specific issues. The Chamber may also appoint the Office to represent the interests of the defence during preliminary stages, or to act as duty counsel for a suspect. The Office is independent and falls within the Registry solely for administrative purposes.
Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Counsel and the overall guidance of the Principal Counsel, the Associate Legal Officer will:
- Conduct legal research on a range of issues in international and domestic criminal and human rights law, and analyse information for Defence teams appearing before the ICC.
- Assist Legal Officers and Counsel in reviewing legal documents and other material, identify important issues, and provide legal advice and support.
- Draft training and practice manuals and legal digests.
- Perform other tasks as instructed by the Principal Counsel or other senior OPCD staff.
Qualifications:
- An advanced university degree in law is required, preferably specialising in criminal, international or human rights law. A first-level law degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience is accepted instead.
- At least two years of relevant litigation experience (four years with a first-level degree), preferably as a prosecutor, investigating magistrate or criminal defence lawyer. This includes pre-trial preparation.
- Experience in international litigation, preferably with a defence team, is desirable. So is experience preparing or conducting complex cases with colleagues from different criminal justice systems.
- Excellent research and drafting skills, initiative, ability to work under strict deadlines with minimal supervision, strong analytical and computer skills, strong interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment, and absolute discretion.
- Proficiency in English or French is required, with working knowledge of the other. Another official Court language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an asset.
The post is to be filled by a national of a State Party to the ICC Statute, or of a State that has signed and is engaged in ratification or accession. The selected candidate must pass a Personnel Security Clearance process. Applications from female candidates are particularly encouraged.
Deadline for Applications: 09/10/2026 (midnight The Hague time)
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online through the ICC E-Recruitment system (SuccessFactors) by the deadline of 09/10/2026 (midnight The Hague time), read as 9 October 2026 (DD/MM/YYYY).
https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=24540&company=1657261P