Legal Specialist – Administrative Law

Support in Policy Development

• Contribute to the development or revisions of UNOPS policies in relation to UNOPS personnel and disciplinary measures.

Legal Advisory

• Provides legal advice related to the administration and management of UNOPS (in particular in relation to personnel matters and the interpretation and application of UNOPS legal framework as it pertains to personnel). 

• Manages misconduct referrals received from the Internal Audits and Investigation Group ( IAIG) or the Ethics Office, including but not limited to reviewing investigation reports, drafting and issuing charge letters, and preparing recommendation memorandums on behalf of the General Counsel.

• Conduct extensive legal research and analysis into UN Tribunal case law to assist management with ensuring management decisions are in line with the latest jurisprudence. 

• Review Management Evaluation Requests submitted by UNOPS personnel contesting an administrative decision, evaluating the contested decision,  and advising the General Counsel on its legality; preparing draft response letters to such requests.

• Provides support in developing solutions to address ad hoc and specific legal issues that may come up in relation to UNOPS personnel matters including personnel grievances.

• Assists in representing UNOPS in mediation proceedings and in other personnel negotiations. 

• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates legal agreements pertaining to personnel arrangements.

Case Management 

• Prepares UNOPS’ submissions for proceedings before the UN Dispute Tribunal. 

Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Develop and provide legal training and other knowledge management materials relating to the rights and obligations of UNOPS personnel, and legal aspects of UNOPS administration and management of personnel.  

• Collect and analyze 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.

• Within his/her field of expertise and as directed by his/her supervisor, provides assistance to other lawyers in the Legal Group in connection with other similar matters such as privileges and immunities matters and commercial disputes etc. 

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required.

• A university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law with  2 additional years of relevant professional experience will be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. 

• Satisfaction of all requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State is desirable. 

• At least five years (or more depending on academic credentials) of experience as a lawyer (law firm or in-house counsel) is required.

• Experience in providing legal advice, conducting legal research, and drafting of legal agreements is required. 

• Experience in a legal office of an international organisation is desired.

• Experience at the national or international level in administrative and employment or labour law is highly desirable. 

• Full domain of English is required.

• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.