President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (Consultancy Agreement)

As the institutional representative of over 45 million businesses in more than 170 countries, the International Chamber of Commerce operates with a core mission to “make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere”. We act as the primary voice of the real economy in a range of intergovernmental organisations – from the World Trade Organization to the UN climate process – championing the needs of local business in global decision making. The convening power of our global network enables us to set rules and standards that facilitate over $17 trillion dollars in trade each year – as well as providing tailored products and digital services that directly address the real challenges faced by businesses operating internationally. We also provide the world's premier private global dispute resolution services, leveraging ICC's unique independence, integrity, and expertise.

President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration

• Engagement type: External consultancy
• Location: International Chamber of Commerce Headquarters, Paris, France (as needed), with international travel
• Term: July 2027– 2030, renewable once
• Closing Date: 31 December 2026

Description

As the institutional representative of over 45 million businesses in more than 170 countries, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) works to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. ICC also provides global dispute resolution services, drawing on its independence, integrity and expertise.
ICC is seeking an outstanding international arbitration practitioner and leader to serve as the next President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC Court) for the 2027–2030 term.

Role

The President leads and represents the ICC Court, safeguards its independence, integrity and legitimacy, and contributes to the development of ICC dispute resolution services within ICC’s established governance framework, approved strategy and workplan. The President serves as an external ICC consultant in a high-authority, non-executive institutional leadership role

The President’s principal responsibilities include:

• Court leadership: Lead the ICC Court and ensure that it properly discharges its functions and powers under the ICC Arbitration Rules, with the support of the ICC Court Secretariat; chair ICC Court sessions; and foster high-quality, consistent, efficient and collegial decision-making.
• Institutional stewardship: Safeguard the ICC Court’s independence, integrity, legitimacy and reputation, and support its long-term position as the world’s most preferred arbitral institution.
• Strategic contribution: Contribute to the development of the ICC Court and ICC Dispute Resolution Services within ICC’s approved vision, strategy and workplan, and champion agreed priorities.
• Global representation: Serve as a prominent global ambassador and advocate for the ICC Court and ICC Dispute Resolution Services across regions, legal traditions, sectors and stakeholder groups.
• Institutional relationships: Maintain close and effective working relationships with ICC leadership, the Secretary General of the Court, the Vice-Presidents, Court members and ICC governance bodies. Participate in meetings of ICC’s Executive Board and ICC’s Governing Body for Dispute Resolution Services and report on the ICC Court’s activities.

ICC would like to hear from those who:

• Have recognised global standing in arbitration and dispute resolution, together with unimpeachable professional ethics, independence and sound judgement.
• Possess a deep practical understanding of international arbitration, as well as familiarity with other dispute resolution methods, users and institutional environments.
• Command confidence across corporates, counsel, arbitrators, states and state entities, and the wider business and legal communities, as well as the breadth of ICC stakeholders.
• Are fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages is strongly desirable.
• Have the capacity and willingness to devote substantial time to the effective discharge of the mandate, including frequent presence at ICC Headquarters in Paris and international travel as necessary.
• Are able and willing to serve the contemplated three-year term (renewable once) and to accept appropriate restrictions on other professional activities where required to protect the independence, integrity and effective performance of the office.

The President serves as an external ICC consultant and exercises the mandate within ICC’s established constitutional, governance and institutional framework, including the ICC Arbitration Rules, and in accordance with ICC’s approved strategy, workplan and applicable policies.

The role does not carry executive or line-management responsibility for ICC staff.

Please include:

• A letter of motivation and personal statement addressing your suitability, vision for the Presidency and contribution to the future development of the ICC Court;
• A detailed curriculum vitae and full disclosure of any circumstances, professional positions, institutional affiliations, political or other mandates and professional commitments that could create a conflict of interest or affect ICC’s or the ICC Court’s interests, independence or reputation;

Reference or support letters are not required and should not be submitted. 

All applications will be treated in confidence. 

For further information about the selection committee and the terms of reference, please see here: https://iccwbo.org/news-publications/news/icc-launches-selection-process-for-next-icc-court-president/