Legal Expert (Riparian Full-Time Individual Consultant)

- Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension, subject to organizational requirements, the budget availability and performance of the postholder.

- Duty Station: MRC Secretariat’s Headquarters (Vientiane, Lao PDR)

- The closing date is 29 October 2025

Expected Deliverables:

1. Oversee all legal-related matters at the MRC Secretariat (MRCS).

2. Provide comprehensive legal support and advice to the Mekong River Commission (MRCS) to ensure its compliance with applicable international, regional, and national laws, treaties, conventions, and regulations.

3. Review and prepare all legal-related documents of the MRC to ensure that its collaboration and partnership with any other 3rd party complies with international, regional, and national legal and regulatory frameworks; as well as with the relevant international laws, as well as its own governance structures.

4. Safeguard the MRC’s legal entity and organizational interests.

5. Support the effective governance and risk management of the MRC’s operations in close collaboration with the Internal Audit, Human Resources, Finance and other relevant Units of the MRCS, and the National Mekong Committee Secretariats (NMCS).

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Law (at least Master of Laws, a postgraduate Law degree or equivalent) with specialization in International law, Public international law, or related fields.

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in legal advisory roles, preferably within Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGO) and/or International Organisations.

• Extensive knowledge of international treaties, diplomatic law, international public law, and related legal frameworks.

• Experience drafting and negotiating complex international contracts and agreements.

• Proven ability to interpret and apply international, regional, and national laws relevant to IGO and/or International Organisations.

• Strong analytical, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

• Fluency in English (speaking, writing, reading and listening).

• Prior experience advising multi-national and/or multilateral organisations is an asset.

• Compliance with all MRC’s Rules and Regulations regarding Consultancy Management and Contract Monitoring and Closure.

• Immediate availability will be considered an advantage.

Benefits:

- The MRC’s contribution to staff member’s Provident Fund (pension fund) of 14% of base salary per annum;

- Coverage of health insurance for staff and eligible dependents, and accident insurance (on a shared basis with the employee) for staff;

- Other entitlements and