Legal Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The Legal Officer reports to the Senior Legal Officers, the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of the General Legal Division.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serves as a lead officer in one or more areas of concentration, and conducts legal research and provides drafts of legal advice, memoranda and other communications to the principal and subsidiary organs of the United Nations concerning questions of substantial contracts and procurement, the administrative law of the United Nations, including interpretation and application of the staff and financial regulations and rules, institutional arrangements for development and technical assistance activities, the acceptance of voluntary contributions (both cash and in-kind), and collaboration with the non-profit and private sector, the resolution of claims against the Organization, and accountability of the Organization and of its officials.
• Provides legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to administration and management, institutions support, procurement and contracts, peacekeeping and other operational matters, separately administered programmes and funds, and criminal investigations and prosecutions.
• Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence; provides legal advice to the unit/division.
• Reviews, advises on and drafts complex contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities and other legal documents, including contribution and pro-bono agreements, and develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances.
• Advises on and participates in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes, including establishing strategy and approach, deciding on the legal text for terms and conditions of contracts, and , on the recommendations on the merit of claims.
• Provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of staff regulations and rules, including the review of administrative decisions; reviews draft amendments to the staff regulations and rules; reviews draft administrative issuances or amendments thereto and verifies their consistency with the existing staff regulation and rules; prepares analyses and evaluations of human resources policies and practices.
• Represents the organization on more complex cases before arbitral and other tribunal or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases and staff appeals; in Tribunals.
• Provides advice on UN Financial Regulations and Rules.
• Provides advice on the use of the name and emblem of the United Nations.
• Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the United Nations and represents the organization at meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Coordinates and direct teams of other legal officers dealing with significant problems as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior officers on specific projects.
• Contributes to review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, and guidelines.
• 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. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. 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

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required. A first level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admission to the practice of law of a Member State of the Organization, or otherwise qualified to practice law is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required.
• Experience in a law firm or as a legal officer in the legal office of the United Nations, or similar international organization or in governmental service dealing with matters of international law is required.
• Experience in dealing with legal issues related to the United Nations development system or the Organization’s humanitarian activities is required.
• Experience in providing legal advice on the interpretation and application of financial regulations and rules is required.
• Experience in reviewing and providing substantive advice on contribution agreements is required.
• Experience working with the status, privileges and immunities of international organizations is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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