Assistant Legal Counsel (Recruitment)

The International Bureau of the Permanent Court of Arbitration recruits a limited number of Assistant Legal Counsel on an annual basis. Qualified applicants submitting an application prior to 1 January may be considered for a position beginning ordinarily in September.

Duties

The duties of Assistant Legal Counsel include the provision of legal advice and services upon request to the Secretary-General and to the legal staff of the International Bureau; assistance with the discharge of the PCA’s functions in matters submitted under the PCA Arbitration Rules, UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, and other rules of procedure; carrying out drafting and legal research assignments; and any other tasks as directed by the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General/Principal Legal Counsel.

Qualifications

Applicants should be admitted to practice law in their home jurisdiction with a minimum of two years of experience in legal practice in arbitration or public international law, preferably at a law firm or an arbitral institution. Fluency in French or English is essential; knowledge of other languages is desirable (especially Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish). The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Assistant Legal Counsel vacancies are competitive and candidates offered positions will often have qualifications well in excess of these minimums.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV in a single PDF file by e-mail to recruitment-recrutement@pca-cpa.org. The deadline for applications for positions starting in September 2025 is 1 December 2024.

Recruitment Policy

The PCA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to serving the international community in the field of dispute resolution. It recruits and employs staff based on the highest standards of competence, integrity, and efficiency.

Vacant posts are filled by nationals of Contracting Parties based on the needs and available resources of the organization, particularly in relation to the nature and size of the PCA’s caseload, which can vary from year to year. Due regard is given to maintaining an appropriate mix of men and women, and the need to seek geographical diversity in order to maintain the international character of the institution.

Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.