As an integral part of the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the Legal Liaison Office provides advice on all legal matters arising within UNOG and United Nations funds and programmes in Geneva, in close cooperation with the Office of Legal Affairs at Headquarters.

The core functions of the Legal Liaison Office are as follows:

Providing advice to the Director-General of UNOG

Dealing with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland on host country matters

Answering legal questions from the UNOG Administration, departments and services, and United Nations funds and programmes

Coordinating with the Legal Advisers of the Geneva-based United Nations family organizations

On an ad hoc basis, the Senior Legal Adviser coordinates with the Legal Advisers of the Geneva-based United Nations family organizations on matters of common interest under the respective headquarters agreements. On specific issues, and based on consultation with United Nations system organizations, LLO may assume a leading role in the subsequent discussions with host country officials.

Participating in various panels and commissions

Cooperating with permanent missions

Liaison with the Office of Legal Affairs in New York

Organizing and conducting the International Law Seminar

ILS is convened on an annual basis within the framework of the International Law Commission. As Director of the International Law Seminar (ILS), the Senior Legal Adviser is responsible for fund-raising, selecting participants, organizing the three-week programme and daily follow-up of the activities of participants. This also includes budget management of the ILS Trust Fund and related certifying officer responsibilities. This Trust Fund should provide 17/18 fellowships to the participants in the Seminar through voluntary contributions from Governments.

Providing administrative support to the International Law Commission