The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a global public/private partnership dedicated to raising and disbursing large amounts of finance to prevent and treat the three pandemics.  The Global Fund has so far committed more than US$10 billion to over 524 programs in 136 countries.

The vacancy is in the Secretariat of the Global Fund. The Secretariat manages the grant portfolio, including executing Board policies, disbursing money to grant recipients and implementing performance-based funding of grants. The Secretariat is also tasked with resource mobilization; providing strategic, policy, financial, legal and administrative support and overseeing monitoring and evaluation. It is based in Geneva and has no staff located outside its headquarters. 

Building upon the success achieved so far, the Global Fund is adapting its structure and creating new management positions to meet the challenges of growth and expansion in the period 2008-2010.

Job Purpose Summary
& Reporting Relationships

As the Legal Counsel of the Global Fund and Unit Director for Legal Services, the incumbent is responsible for the provision of legal services to clients within the Global Fund.  The incumbent reports administratively to the Director, Corporate Services, and directly to the Executive Director in his/her capacity as Legal Counsel.

The Legal Unit’s objective is to provide legal advice and services to the Secretariat, the Board, the Office of the Inspector General and the other organs of the Global Fund.  Its advice must be independent, legally correct, authoritative, timely, and solution-oriented. The members of the Legal Unit must conform to the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.   As Unit Director/Legal Counsel, the incumbent ensures that the Legal Unit meets this standard, cooperating with colleagues to ensure compliance of proposed activities with applicable national and international laws, Board mandates, and contractual obligations; promoting effective legal risk management; assisting in ensuring that the Global Fund’s rights and assets are properly protected; and cooperating with other Global Fund bodies and units to facilitate innovative approaches and solutions.

The incumbent will also act as Ethics Official reporting to the Ethics Committee of the Board.

The Global Fund is at the forefront of innovative and challenging developments in the field of global health financing.  It also works closely with other partners and prioritizes joint ventures with the public and private sectors.  It prides itself on its flexibility, transparency and accountability.  The duties of the Unit Director/Legal Counsel are therefore likely to be broad-ranging and complex.  The incumbent will need to be prepared to adapt and respond quickly and effectively to new demands on his/her expertise and experience. 

The Unit Director – Legal Services currently manages a team of 10 staff.

Key Responsibilities,
Accountabilities and Duties.

The incumbent will provide technical expertise, leadership and management of the Global Fund’s work in areas of responsibility and will:

Provide the Executive Director and the Secretariat with advice and recommendations on the management of legal risks arising in the Global Fund’s operations and in potential new initiatives, the legal status and privileges and immunities of the organization and its staff, and other legal matters;

Assist internal clients in ensuring compliance of proposed activities with applicable national and international laws, Board mandates, and contractual obligations; 

Advise the Board, Board Committees and other bodies of the Global Fund on legal matters as necessary; review and revise proposed decisions of the Board; review and advise in relation to Board and Board Committee papers and reports;

Advise on the application and interpretation of the Bylaws, Board Operating Procedures, and other instruments of the Global Fund and on the application and interpretation of the decisions of the Board of the Global Fund;

Advise and assist in the negotiation and drafting of agreements, contracts and memoranda of understanding to be entered into by the Global Fund;

Advise senior and executive management on complex and sensitive issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of the Secretariat;

Advise on administrative and financial rules and procedures, and on legal correspondence;

Advise on legal aspects of employment and human resources rules and regulations, including the application and amendment of Staff Rules, Regulations and Policies and on disputes related thereto, and where appropriate, represent the Global Fund in mediations and disputes involving Secretariat employees;

Advise on and lead prosecution or defence of claims by or against the Global Fund, including arranging representation before tribunals and other bodies;

Represent the Global Fund before regulatory authorities, where applicable;

Advise the Office of the Inspector General on legal matters;

Act as Secretariat focal point for and provide administrative support to the Global Fund Ethics Committee; and

Represent the Global Fund in international meetings and liaise with representatives of member states, international organizations and other entities on legal matters.

As a senior manager of the organization, the Unit Director/Legal Counsel will:

Contribute to organization-wide development through active participation in cross-Cluster/Unit working groups and projects;

Participate as a key member in the Cluster’s management team; actively promote cross-Unit collaboration and teamworking; and

Represent the Executive Director and the Director, Corporate Services Cluster, as appropriate, in high-level meetings.

In providing strategic management and leadership of the Legal  Services Unit, the incumbent will:

Prepare an operational plan for the Unit that is aligned with Cluster objectives and Global Fund goals that  include well defined activities, milestones and performance indicators;

Provide technical and managerial leadership in the implementation of the Unit’s operational plan to achieve the targeted outcomes;

Provide technical and strategic leadership to Unit staff, ensuring the attainment of expected outcomes as well as the continued development of the Unit’s staff members;

Manage the Unit’s budgetary resources based on agreed organization and Cluster needs and priorities; and

Oversee, co-ordinate and monitor the work of the Unit to ensure Unit cost effectiveness and performance against results.

Academic Qualifications
(essential/desirable)

Essential

• Advanced University degree in law.

• Sound knowledge of international public law, as well as the general principles of finance, administrative and commercial law, and of legal structures, texts and principles.

• Admission to the bar or other lawyer’s association in at least one jurisdiction.

Experience
(essential/desirable)

Essential

• Extensive legal experience, of which 10 years at an international level;
• Experience in international law and in cross-border transactions;
• Broad experience at the General Counsel level (including governance, transactions, human resources, contracting, litigation, real estate, ethics, finance, investigation/audit and strategy development);
• Experience in managing the delivery of complex legal services;
• Experience in advising on the establishment of new ventures; and
• Experience in managing staff from diverse backgrounds.

Desirable

• Knowledge of legal policies/practices of WHO and the UN system at global, regional and national levels;
• Knowledge or experience at management level in health or international development; and
• Knowledge of the three pandemics: AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

• Leadership and management capabilities leading diverse teams in relevant area;
• Strong ability to work effectively at all levels of complexity;
• Advocacy with ability to bring stature, leadership and credibility to the Global Fund at the highest levels;
• Sound judgment with ability to provide high-quality legal advice and identify alternatives or options in planning and decision making;
• Outstanding negotiating and interpersonal skills;
• Tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with sensitive issues;
• Excellent legal written and spoken communication skills; and
• Computer literacy

• Communicating effectively:  Use appropriate communication techniques effectively both verbally and in writing to communicate at all levels;
• Developing own and staff capability and encouraging diversity;
• Promoting team work by building a climate of cooperation, confidence and encouragement;
• Results-oriented:  Ability to structure and prioritise  individuals’ and the Unit’s objectives against organizational goals; and
• Managing and improving performance with commitment to continuous improvement

Languages
(essential/desirable)

An excellent knowledge of English and preferably a good working knowledge of French or one of the following: Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.  Knowledge of other languages an asset.

A covering letter not exceeding one and one half pages must accompany all applications. The letter should describe your ability to meet the essential requirements set out in the vacancy notice.

THE GLOBAL FUND HAS RETAINED RUSSELL REYNOLDS ASSOCIATES TO ASSIST WITH THIS APPOINTMENT. FOR MORE DETAILS ON QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND HOW TO APPLY, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.RRAPUBLICSECTOR.COM

The position will have an attractive, internationally competitive compensation package equivalent to a director level position in accordance with the WHO/UN salary scales; the final remuneration level to be determined in accordance with the selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.

The current arrangement under which Global Fund Secretariat employees have the status of WHO staff will terminate on 31 December 2008.  After that date, all staff of the Global Fund will be covered under a new contractual arrangement directly with the Global Fund.