Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The Associate Legal Officer reports to Senior Legal Officer(s), a Principal Legal Officer and the Director.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Conducts legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international law and other area(s) of specialization using multiple research sources; selects relevant material, analyses information and presents findings for internal review.
- Assists Legal Officers in the review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities and inconsistencies.
- Assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies and reports.
- Assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of international public and private law issues, including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions involving, inter alia, issues relating to privileges and immunities, peace and security, institutional questions, procedural issues arising during meetings of United Nations organs, and administrative law of the Organization.
- Assists in the preparation of agreements with governments, NGOs and other public and private entities, as well as claims and disputes.
- Assists in representing the Organization before arbitral and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases.
- Assists in providing legal advice on human resources matters and assists in reviewing administrative decisions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
- Advance university degree in international law is required. A first-level university degree in law with two additional years of relevant work experience in law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admittance to the practice of law in a Member State of the Organization or otherwise qualified to practice law is required.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in international law, including legal analysis, research and writing OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP)/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net