Do you have what it takes to be ARIPO’s Head of Legal and International Cooperation? Apply Now!
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) was created, inter alia, to promote the development of Intellectual Property (IP) laws appropriate to the needs of its members, establish common services and training schemes, and assist its members in the acquisition and advancement of technology and the evolving of common views on IP matters.
Membership of the Organization is open to all Member States of the African Union (AU).
Applications are invited from suitable candidates to be considered for appointment to the post of Head, Legal & International Cooperation tenable at the ARIPO Headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe
Reports To: Director, Legal Affairs & International Cooperation
Job Type: Contract
Available Slots: 1
Application Deadline: 25 April 2025
Duration of Appointment: Fixed-term contract of five (5) years (renewable, subject to satisfactory performance).
Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the Organization. Nationals of unrepresented Member States, namely, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, and Somalia are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Purpose
The Head, Legal & International Cooperation will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy and work program.
This position involves assisting in the provision of legal advice concerning technical, administrative, contractual, and general legal matters related to the depositary functions of the ARIPO-administered treaties, while also supporting compliance with internal rules and applicable laws.
Key Result Areas
- Implementation of the legal and international cooperation strategy
- Corporate Governance and Legal Advisory
- Technical Support Services
- International Cooperation
Principal Duties
- Draft contributions to legal affairs and international cooperation strategy and program performance reports.
- Compile data for the review and simplification of the ARIPO Legal Framework for ease of doing business.
- Assist ARIPO Member States Parties in drafting and giving legal effect to instruments and agreements they may negotiate and conclude within the ARIPO legal framework.
- Prepare papers and briefs on the harmonization of Intellectual Property (IP) laws in the Member States.
- Provide support in negotiations, disputes, consultations, and other legal proceedings as assigned.
- Prepare legal opinions related to the Organization’s activities, IP protocols, contracts, and policies, recommending solutions for challenges and risks.
- Counsel Directorates and Departments on the interpretation of policies, rules, and procedures where legal clarity may be required.
- Review existing contracts, terms, and conditions and propose necessary amendments.
- Provide technical support to the IP Directorate and Working Groups regarding the interpretation of Protocols and processing of applications.
- Advise on various legal issues impacting ARIPO, reviewing issues, ascertaining applicable legal and risk management practices, and recommending actions to management.
- Draft policy briefs, briefing notes, and papers for senior management to support international cooperation initiatives.
- Liaise with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and other stakeholders on relevant matters.
- Assist in drafting protocols for new ARIPO mandates.
- Assist in secretarial support services to the Governing Bodies of ARIPO.
- Support performance management initiatives.
Qualification and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law
- A Legal Practitioner with at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience as a negotiator or legal advisor at a national, regional, continental, or international organization.
- A Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Law, or International Relations and experience in the Intellectual Property field is an added advantage.
Competencies and Skills Required
- Excellent legal drafting skills, with the ability to write clear and unambiguous legal language.
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- In-depth knowledge of international and/or administrative law, along with practical application of legal principles.
- Skilled in conducting legal research to understand complex issues and ensure compliance with relevant laws.
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and reporting skills.
- Creativity and capability in change management and innovation.
Conditions of Employment
Salary and allowances: As per Grade L3 Step 1 of the ARIPO salary scales of the Professional Service Category.
Base Salary: US$56,244 per annum
Benefits include:
- Post Adjustment Allowance
- Payment of travel and removal expenses
- Once-off installation grant
- Education grant of US$9,000 per year for each eligible dependent child (maximum of three children)
- Housing allowance
- Dependency allowance of US$1,800 per year for a dependent child
- Contributory medical insurance/medical aid scheme
- 30 days annual leave
- Paid home leave every two years
Medical Examination: The appointment is subject to a satisfactory United Nations-type medical examination to be conducted by an ARIPO-nominated medical practitioner.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Note: Candidates who previously applied for this position need not reapply as their applications are being considered.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to contribute to legal and international cooperation within ARIPO’s framework.
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