Executive Assistant to Judge

UN Secretariat; Den Haag; On-site; EUR 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Secretariat seeks an Executive Assistant to a Judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. You will manage calendars, handle confidential correspondence, prepare documents, and coordinate with the Registry and external partners to ensure timely judicial work.

The role requires seven years of relevant experience (five with a university degree), fluency in English and French, and strong Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma is required; a university degree is an asset.
• Seven years of relevant experience supporting senior executives in a professional or international environment; five years if a university degree is held.
• Experience with Microsoft Office is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to a Judge, including managing calendars and prioritizing tasks.
• Screen calls and route correspondence in English, French, and/or Dutch.
• Prepare and review documents, reports, and correspondence for accuracy and deadlines.
• Assist Associate Legal Officers and Judicial Fellows with documentation for judicial work, including legal research and maintaining reference collections.
• Support the Judge's relations with the Registry and external entities, managing administrative, financial, and travel affairs, and organizing visits and events.
• Assist with onboarding new Judges and providing administrative support for retiring Judges.
• Support HR administration, including recruitment processes for the Judge's office and onboarding of law clerks.
• Provide informal translations of legal or academic documents as needed.

Skills

Calendar management

Confidentiality

Communication

Time management

Administrative support

Document preparation

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational context: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's principal judicial organ, comprises 15 judges and settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions. Unlike other UN principal organs, it is not serviced by the Secretariat but by its own Registry. The Registry supports the Court's judicial and administrative functions. This role is for a temporary roster of Executive Assistants to Judges, providing support during staff absences.

Job purpose: The Executive Assistant (EA) provides crucial executive and administrative support to a Judge of the International Court of Justice, ensuring the efficient operation of the Judge's office. The role involves managing the Judge's schedule, handling correspondence, preparing documentation for judicial work, and facilitating communication with the Registry and external parties. The EA also supports administrative and financial processes, travel arrangements, and assists with onboarding and offboarding procedures for Judges and their staff. This position is key to maintaining the Judge's productivity and ensuring seamless administrative functions within a sensitive and confidential judicial environment, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Court's operations.

Responsibilities: Provide comprehensive administrative support to a Judge, including managing calendars, prioritizing tasks, and handling confidential information. Manage office communications, screening calls, and routing correspondence in English, French, and/or Dutch, ensuring timely follow-up. Prepare and review documents, reports, and correspondence for accuracy and adherence to deadlines. Assist Associate Legal Officers and Judicial Fellows with documentation for judicial work, including legal research and maintaining reference collections. Support the Judge's relations with the Registry and external entities, managing administrative, financial, and travel affairs, and organizing visits and events. Assist with onboarding new Judges and providing administrative support for retiring Judges. Support HR administration, including recruitment processes for the Judge's office and onboarding of law clerks. Provide informal translations of legal or academic documents as needed.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A university degree is considered an asset.

Work experience: A minimum of seven years of relevant experience supporting senior executives in a professional or international environment is required. This is reduced to five years for candidates with a university degree. Experience with Microsoft Office is mandatory. Experience in a legal/judicial setting and knowledge of diplomatic protocol are desirable.

Skills: Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Teamwork, Accountability, Confidentiality, Time Management, Administrative Support, Calendar Management, Correspondence Handling, Document Preparation, Basic IT Assistance, Interpersonal Skills, Adaptability.

Required languages: English, French

Desired languages: Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Dutch, Arabic