Job Description

To support the implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy and work program. Assist in the provision of legal advice on technical, administrative, contractual, and general legal matters with respect to the depositary functions of the ARIPO-administered treaties. Support compliance with internal rules and applicable laws.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Result Areas

• Implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy

• Corporate Governance and Legal Advisory

• Technical Support Services

• International Cooperation

• Performance Management

Principal Duties

1. Draft contributions to strategic planning and policy documents and program performance reports.

2. Provide support in the preparation and implementation of the legal and international cooperation program of activities.

3. Compile data for the review and simplification of the ARIPO Legal Framework for ease of doing business.

4. Draft protocols for new ARIPO mandates.

5. Assist in the delivery of company secretarial support services to the Governing Bodies of ARIPO.

6. Provide support in negotiations, disputes, consultations, and other proceedings as may be assigned.

7. Prepare legal opinions in relation to the Organization’s activities, Intellectual Property (IP) protocols, contracts, and policies, rules, and procedures and in

instances where legal clarity may be required.

8. Provide counsel to Directorates, Departments and staff with respect to their areas of concern in terms of interpretation of policies, rules, and procedures and

in instances where legal clarity may be required.

9. Collect data for the preparation of legal analysis and briefings on strategic initiatives and policies.

10. Review existing contracts, terms and conditions and propose amendments in the same as may be necessary.

11. Provide technical support to the IP Directorate and Working Groups regarding interpretation of Protocols, processing of applications and handling of User

inquiries and any disputes.

12. Participate in the legal review of ARIPO Industrial and Intellectual Property Protocols, and Regulations to support the ease of doing business.

13. Prepare papers and briefs on the harmonisation of IP Laws in the Member States.

14. Provide expert advice on the resolution of claims arising under IP Protocols and contracts.

15. Advise on a range of legal issues impacting ARIPO by reviewing issues, ascertaining applicable and appropriate legal and risk management practices, and

recommending courses of action to management.

16. Draft policy briefs, briefing notes, and papers for senior management to support international cooperation initiatives.

17. Participate in liaison with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders on relevant matters.

18. Undertake representational duties as may be assigned

Qualifications and Experience

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience as a negotiator or legal advisor at a national, regional,

continental, or international organization

• Master’s in Business Administration Degree (MBA) is desirable.

• Experience in the Intellectual Property field is an added advantage.

Competencies and Skills required

• Excellent legal drafting skills, includes the ability to write clear, precise, and unambiguous legal language.

• Adept at conducting legal research to understand complex legal issues and to ensure the drafted legislation complies with relevant laws and regulations.

• In-depth knowledge of international law and/or administrative law, as well as the practical application of legal principles, concepts, and policy to a range of

legal issues in the area of public international law or the law of international organizations.

• Independent judgement, organising, problem-solving, analysis and decision making.

• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship building and reporting skills.

• Change management, creativity, and innovation capability.