Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 226802
Job Network : Legal
Job Family : Legal Affairs
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-3
Duty Station : NEW YORK
Department/Office : Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Office of the Under-Secretary-General
Date Posted : Jan 29, 2024
Deadline : Feb 4, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Management Advice and Evaluation Section (MAES), Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Unit.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, MAES/OUSG/DMSPC, the Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting management evaluations of decisions taken by the management of the Organization, Secretariat-wide, including in peacekeeping and special political missions. Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare studies, comparative studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
• Undertakes extensive review and interpretation of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of drafts of management evaluations, studies, reports, briefing materials.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on management evaluation requests, based on a range of legal documents including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and the internal laws of the organization, including the jurisprudence of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal.
• Prepares or assists in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes.
• Services or assists senior colleagues in servicing committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues, meeting reports, etc.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Provides legal advice on human resources matters; reviews administrative matters.
• Provides guidance to more junior staff.
• 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. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and 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
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international or administrative law or related area is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree) in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, with a focus on administrative law or law of international organizations is required.

One year of experience in the application of regulations and rules, policies and procedures in an international organization is required.

Experience in building consensus and negotiation and informal settlement of claims and resolution of disputes is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage