Org. Setting and Reporting

N.B.: This temporary vacancy is only open to current staff members of the International Court of Justice with fixed-term or continuing appointments. The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is composed of 15 judges, elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is the only principal organ of the United Nations not serviced by the Secretariat. The Court has its own administration, the Registry, which provides judicial support to the Court and acts as a permanent administrative organ. The Registry is headed by a Registrar, elected by the Court. The Registry of the International Court of Justice is seeking to fill a temporary vacancy from 1st November 2024 to 27 June 2025. This temporary position is located in the Registry’s Information Department. The incumbent reports directly to the Head of Department.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Department, the incumbent will perform the following duties: – is responsible for collecting, collating and analysing data with a view to developing targeted information products; – assists the Information Officer in the design, implementation and dissemination of information products, and in the development of communication activities; – drafts texts, in particular press releases, information messages and brochures; – monitors the content of information on the Court’s website; – follows up requests for information about the Court and assists in the organization of presentations, briefings and interviews (including preparing the necessary documentation); – gives talks on the Court to groups upon request; – assists in the development of the Court’s website, notably in terms of multimedia functions; – assists the Information Officer in drafting and posting approved social media content; – responds to in-house requests for information, including preparation of press reviews and circulars for the Court and the Registry; – assists the Information Officer and the Head of the Information Department in their protocol duties, notably for major events (hearings, State visits, etc.).

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Knowledge of digital, community management and/or social media. Knowledge of international organizations. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections. Ability to research information from a variety of sources. Ensures high quality and accuracy of work. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box.” Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years (four years with a first level university degree) of relevant and progressively responsible work experience in public information, journalism or international law is required. Relevant work experience in an international setting is desirable. Experience using and knowledge of digital media is required. Experience in diplomatic and protocol matters is desirable. Experience within the United Nations or another international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the official and working languages of the International Court of Justice. For this position, an excellent command of both English and French (equivalent to UN Level III – Advanced Language Competence) is required. Knowledge of other official languages of the United Nations and of Dutch is desirable.

Assessment

The assessment of qualified candidates may include written tests and a competency and/or knowledge-based interview.

Special Notice

This temporary vacancy is advertised internally to allow Registry staff members with fixed-term or continuing appointments who may be interested in this opportunity to express their interest. If no applications are received from internal candidates by the deadline or if no suitable internal candidate is found, the vacancy shall then be open for external recruitment. The Court is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a staff member. Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. The Court’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but may be paid in euros. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in the Netherlands and the euro/dollar exchange rate. In addition, the Court offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days of annual leave, home travel every two years, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan and subsidized medical insurance. If the selected candidate is a staff member from an organization applying the United Nations Common System of Salaries and Allowances, the provisions of the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan shall apply. The selected candidate may be subject to security clearance, including verification of the information provided and a criminal record check. All candidates should be in a position to submit an electronic copy of their passport, recent performance appraisal reports, and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested. The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified job description. Applications that are found by the Court to meet the above criteria may be added to a reserve list in case a similar vacancy arises in the future.

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the ICJ Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICJ if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ICJ does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICJ are fraudulent and should be disregarded.