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International Court of Justice (ICJ) Is Hiring A Senior Information Management Assistant APPLY NOW
Background
The International Court of Justice is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations, and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. It is one of the six organs of the United Nations, and is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
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About ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It is often referred to as the World Court. Established in 1945, the ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands. Its purpose is to settle legal disputes between member states and to provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN bodies and specialized agencies.
Key features of the ICJ include:
- Composition: The ICJ consists of 15 judges who are elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. These judges serve nine-year terms and are chosen based on their qualifications, expertise, and representation of the main legal systems of the world.
- Jurisdiction: The ICJ has jurisdiction over disputes between states that voluntarily submit to its jurisdiction. It can also provide advisory opinions to UN organs and agencies on legal questions. However, it is important to note that the ICJ’s jurisdiction is limited to cases involving states and does not cover disputes between individuals or private entities.
- Settlement of Disputes: The ICJ provides a forum for peaceful resolution of legal disputes between member states. It hears cases on a wide range of issues, including territorial disputes, maritime boundaries, human rights violations, treaty interpretation, and state responsibility.
- Adherence to International Law: The ICJ’s decisions are based on international law, including treaties, customary international law, and general principles of law recognized by civilized nations. It plays a crucial role in the development and interpretation of international law, contributing to the establishment of legal norms and principles.
- Binding Decisions: The ICJ’s decisions are binding on the parties involved in the dispute. Member states are obligated to comply with the court’s judgments and advisory opinions. However, enforcement of the court’s decisions relies on the voluntary cooperation of the parties involved.
- Independence and Impartiality: The ICJ operates independently and impartially. Its judges are expected to act with integrity and impartiality in their deliberations and decisions. They do not represent their respective countries but serve as judges of the court.
- Accessibility: The ICJ proceedings are generally open to the public, except in specific cases where the court decides otherwise. The court’s decisions and judgments are published and made available to the public, contributing to transparency and accountability.
Why work at ICJ
- Contributing to International Justice: By working at the ICJ, you have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of international justice. The court plays a vital role in resolving disputes between states and upholding the principles of international law. Your work can have a direct impact on promoting peace, stability, and the rule of law at the international level.
- Intellectual Stimulation: The ICJ deals with complex legal issues that require in-depth analysis and interpretation of international law. Working at the court provides an intellectually stimulating environment where you can engage with cutting-edge legal arguments and contribute to the development of legal principles.
- Multicultural and Diverse Environment: The ICJ brings together judges, legal experts, and professionals from various countries and legal backgrounds. Working in such a multicultural and diverse environment fosters cross-cultural understanding, promotes dialogue, and enriches your professional experience.
- Professional Development: Working at the ICJ offers opportunities for professional growth and development. You can enhance your knowledge of international law, gain valuable experience in handling international legal cases, and expand your network by collaborating with experts and professionals from around the world.
- Prestigious Institution: The ICJ is one of the most prestigious international organizations in the field of law. Being associated with the court enhances your professional reputation and opens doors to future career opportunities in academia, international organizations, government, or private practice.
- Impactful Work: The decisions and judgments of the ICJ have a significant impact on the international legal landscape. By working at the court, you have the chance to contribute to landmark cases and shape legal precedents that influence international relations and the behavior of states.
- Opportunities for Advocacy and Diplomacy: Working at the ICJ often involves engaging in oral arguments, presenting legal positions, and participating in diplomatic negotiations. These experiences allow you to develop advocacy and diplomatic skills, honing your abilities to effectively communicate and negotiate on behalf of member states.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and ensure proper access to the documents, records, and archives of the Court, in line with judicial processes and administrative activities.
- Supervise the management of the publications stock and inventory and provide overall support to the division.
- Act as the primary lead for distribution activities, including overseeing and coordinating distribution logistics.
- Track the judicial calendar, meetings, public hearings, and time limits to manage and prioritize the unit’s work.
- Monitor the composition of cases and manage electronic permissions groups and distribution lists accordingly.
- Coordinate activities with other departments to plan distribution activities and provide support for meetings and public hearings.
- Delegate and direct tasks of the Distribution Assistant.
- Manage the Electronic Distribution Portal, ensuring accurate uploading of documents and case materials, managing permissions, and maintaining metadata.
- Ensure the proper functioning of the system, including email alerts, paper ordering, and coordination with the archives system for digital preservation.
- Ensure record-keeping of the distribution collection, including overseeing stock management, receiving filings and publications, managing inventory, and capturing digital copies into the repository.
- Monitor environmental conditions of repositories.
- Act as Deputy to the Head of the Archives, Indexing and Distribution Division, including deputizing in their absence and assisting with budget development and implementation.
- Support policy development by contributing to the design and implementation of archives and records management strategies, as well as providing input on information governance strategies.
- Provide logistical support for records retention and disposition activities.
- Provide technical input on preservation and access to physical and digital archives.
Competencies:
- Professionalism: Demonstrating knowledge of document management principles, archival preservation, metadata standards, information governance, and judicial processes. Proficiency in electronic information management systems. Showing pride in work, professional competence, and efficiency. Remaining calm in stressful situations and persisting in problem-solving.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues, valuing input, and supporting group decisions. Sharing credit and accepting joint responsibility.
- Planning and organizing: Setting clear goals, identifying priorities, allocating resources, and adjusting plans as needed. Monitoring and using time efficiently.
- Accountability: Taking ownership, delivering outputs within prescribed standards, complying with regulations and rules, and taking responsibility for shortcomings.
- Client orientation: Considering clients’ perspectives, establishing productive partnerships, identifying needs, and delivering products or services on time.
- Creativity: Seeking improvement, offering new solutions, promoting new ideas, and thinking innovatively.
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Job-Specific Qualification:
- Proficiency in electronic information management systems, such as Sharepoint, is required.
- Formal training in archives and information systems is desirable.
- Training in database administration, document management, record-keeping, and digital archives is required.
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 9 years of experience in archives, records, or information management is required.
- Experience in a judicial or diplomatic environment with senior officials or judges is desirable.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken, is required (UN Level II – Intermediate Language Competence).
