Deputy Director Arbitration and ADR, Africa – ICC Dispute Resolution Services (Paris)

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.

We are currently recruiting a Deputy Director of Arbitration and ADR – Africa. In this role you will assist in developing and promoting ICC’s Dispute Resolution Services (DRS) across the African continent, under the direction of the Head of Global DRS Development and in collaboration with the Director of Arbitration and ADR, Africa.

The role

1. Promotion of ICC dispute resolution services, which may include

• Engage with corporate counsel, law firms, chambers of commerce, and state entities to build durable relationships and promote ICC dispute resolution services.
• Respond to local queries regarding ICC Arbitration and ADR Rules and procedures.
• Work with ICC national committees in Africa to enhance the use and awareness of ICC’s dispute resolution services.

2. Business development activities and support

• Gain understanding of the specific dispute resolution needs of users across Africa and feedback insights to the ICC global team.
• Present ICC to key players in the legal and business sectors, including government representatives, corporate counsel, and legal professionals.
• Contribute to ICC special projects, in line with Global DRS Development and ICC’s 2024-2026 Roadmap, including but not limited to assistance establishing an ICC DRS representative office in Africa.

3. Event management and participation

• Organise and participate in selected regional conferences, seminars, and ICC Young Arbitrators and ADR Forum (YAAF) events, including coordination of budgets and logistics.
• Contribute to the preparation of ICC DRS marketing materials, presentations, and sponsorship brochures for events across Africa, working in line with the ICC brand and in close coordination with marketing and design teams at ICC Global Headquarters

4. Stakeholder relations

• Maintain relationships with legal and business communities, as well as regional and international stakeholders.
• Collaborate with speakers, sponsors, and national partners for regional and global programmes.

Your profile

• Law degree with at least five years of post-qualification experience, ideally with knowledge of dispute resolution, particularly international arbitration.
• Strong business development acumen, with a proven track record in marketing or sales being an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; fluency in French or other major African languages is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to travel across the African continent on occasion for strategic events, meetings and presentations.
• Proficient in MS Office programmes; knowledge of CRM systems and social media management tools is a plus.

Terms and conditions 

Estimated start date: As soon as possible

Department: ICC Dispute Resolution Services

Location: ICC International Headquarters, Paris

Contract type and duration: Temporary (CDD), 12 months renewable, full time.

How to apply:Please send your application to our Talent Acquisition team at courtapplications@iccwbo.org and specify “Deputy Director – Africa” in the subject line of your email. Make sure to include:

• Your CV (two pages maximum)
• A one-page cover letter highlighting your skills, motivation and experience relevant for the position

At ICC, we make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. And when we say “everyone”, we mean it. We celebrate the diversity of our people and strive to inspire acceptance, cultivate a culture where difference matters, inclusion is essential, and equality of opportunity is for everyone.