Employment

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recruits staff in both the Professional (P) and General Service (GS) categories. The working languages of the Court are English and French.

Professional staff members are appointed by the Court on a proposal by the Registrar; General Service staff are appointed by the Registrar with the approval of the President. Short-term staff, in both the Professional and General Service categories, are appointed by the Registrar. Registry staff are subject to Staff Regulations approved by the Court.

To apply for vacant positions candidates are required to complete a Personal History Form. Candidates are kindly requested to ensure that they meet the minimum requirements before applying for a position.

Working for the International Court of Justice

Around 100 people currently work in the Registry.

The Registry is divided into the following departments and divisions:

  • the Department of Legal Matters;
  • the Department of Linguistic Matters;
  • the Information Department;
  • the Administrative and Personnel Division;
  • the Finance Division;
  • the Publishing Division;
  • the Library of the Court;
  • the Archives, Indexing and Distribution Division;
  • the Information Technology Division;
  • the Security and General Assistance Division;
  • the Judges’ Secretaries.
Categories of staff and qualifications required

As far as possible, the Court follows the job classification and compensation system administered by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), established by the United Nations General Assembly. Details of the classification and compensation system and conditions of service of international civil servants can be found on the ICSC website.

Posts in the Professional category

Staff in the Professional category have international expertise in a particular aspect of the Court’s work. The minimum requirements are described in each vacancy announcement and include a University degree, proficiency in either English or French, and a good working knowledge of the other.

Posts in the General Service category

Candidates interested in a position in the General Service category, such as a secretarial, clerical, text processing or accounting position, may apply for any such vacancy if they meet the minimum requirements set out in the relevant vacancy announcement, including proficiency in either English or French, and a working knowledge of the other.

How to apply

Candidates should apply through the Court’s e-recruitment system. Please check our Current vacancies.

Please read all the instructions in the vacancy announcement carefully before applying.

All applications received for vacancies are given careful attention. However, owing to the large number of applications received for vacancies, the Court is unable to reply to telephone, e-mail or fax enquiries.


United Nations Salaries, Allowances, Benefits and Job Classification website
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