The General Legal Section provides legal advice and support to all areas of the Secretariat to ensure that the Agency’s activities (particularly corporate and administrative matters) are conducted in accordance with applicable agreements, rules, governing policies and relevant jurisprudence.
If you would like to learn more about the IAEA’s work, sign up for our weekly updates containing our most important news, multimedia and more.
General Legal Section
Financial and Administrative Matters
The General Legal Section advises on issues concerning the Agency’s financial transactions, the correct application of the Financial Regulations and Financial Rules and the acceptance of in-kind and financial voluntary contributions to the Agency. This includes review of contribution agreements and advice on mechanisms for resource mobilization and partnerships. Furthermore, it provides legal advice and support relating to audits, data protection and the development of administrative policy frameworks.
Contractual Agreements and Procurement
The General Legal Section advises on the procedures for procurement of goods and services by the Agency. The Section represents the Office of Legal Affairs as observer in the Procurement Review Committee (PRC), an inter-departmental committee responsible for the review of contract awards. It is also responsible for ensuring that all agreements and contracts to which the Agency is a party are drawn up in proper legal form. In doing so, the General Legal Section plays an important role in the negotiation, drafting and clearance of contracts and other private international law instruments.
Privileges and Immunities, Headquarters Agreement and Host Government Agreements
The General Legal Section provides advice on the interpretation and implementation of the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Agency, the Headquarters Agreement concluded with the Republic of Austria, as well as Host State Agreements in respect of other locations in which the Agency performs its activities. In doing so, the Section ensures respect for the legal status and privileges and immunities of the Agency and its officials. The General Legal Section also assists with the negotiation and conclusion of other international agreements, including Host Government Agreements for meetings and activities held by the Agency in other countries throughout the world. The General Legal Section, furthermore, advises on the negotiation and implementation of Relationship and Cooperation Agreements concluded with Governments, the United Nations and its specialized agencies and other intergovernmental organizations.
Human Resources and Administrative Dispute Resolution
With regard to Human Resources, the General Legal Section advises on a broad range of personnel-related administrative issues, including the interpretation and application of the Staff Regulations and Rules and the development of personnel policies. The General Legal Section provides advice in regard to disciplinary cases and it also provides advice at all stages of appeals against administrative decisions, including preparation of the Agency’s submissions with respect to appeals filed with the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.
