Position description
This position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs. The incumbent reports to a Legal Officer under the supervision of a Senior Legal Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties:
- Assists in the handling of a range of issues related to public international law, including the interpretation and application of constitutive, legislative, procedural and other instruments governing United Nations activities and operations.
- Conducts legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international law using multiple research sources; selects relevant material, analyzes 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, etc.
- Assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, etc.
- Assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice/instruments on matters of cooperation with the International Criminal Court, as well as a wide range of other public international 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, treaty law and practice, procedural issues arising during meetings of United Nations organs, constitutional and administrative law of the Organization. Assists in the preparation of agreements and arrangements with the International Criminal Court, as well as with governments, NGOs and other public and private entities.
- 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.
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- 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.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in public international law is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience in public international law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two years of professional experience in 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. Professional legal experience responding to international requests for evidence or information for use in criminal proceedings is desirable. Professional legal experience advising on issues of international law governing privileges and immunities is desirable. One year or more of professional experience working in the legal office of a government department or ministry or of the secretariat of an intergovernmental organization is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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