Back LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the General Legal Division in the Office of Legal Affairs. The Legal Officer reports to the Senior Legal Officer, Principal Legal Officer and the Director of the General Legal Division. ResponsibilitiesWithin 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 independently handles a wide range of multi-discipline and complex legal matters involving issues of international commercial law, international public, private and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area of concentration. 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, criminal investigations and prosecutions, etc. Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence; provides legal advice to the unit/division. Prepares, or provides substantive input into submissions/motions, as necessary, in the course of arbitral proceedings. Services committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of members, meeting reports, etc. Reviews, advises on, drafts and negotiates complex contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities, or legal motions/submissions and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. Provides advice and support in resolving (i) disputes arising out of contracts with commercial vendors, consultants, individual contractors, and other personnel, and (ii) third- party claims of a private law character involving the operations and activities of the Organizations, its organs or its separately administered funds and programmes. Advises on and participates in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes, to include establishing strategy and approach, terms and conditions of settlements, and recommendations on the merit of claims, and the Organization's risk exposure in arbitration, etc. Provides advice and support on the Organization's procurement activities, both at Headquarters and Offices away from Headquarters and the field, including on procurement relating to logistical support requirements for United Nations peacekeeping and other missions Provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of financial regulations and rules, and staff regulations and rules, including the review of administrative decisions; prepares draft amendments to the financial regulations and rules and staff regulations and rules; reviews draft administrative issuances or amendments thereto and verifies their consistency with the existing financial regulations and rules and/or staff regulations and rules; prepares analyses and evaluations of human resources and other policies and practices. Represents the organization in more complex cases before arbitral and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases and staff appeals. 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, seminars, etc. Coordinates and directs 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, guidelines, etc. Performs other duties as assigned. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of international law, including the privileges and immunities of international organizations, in particular the United Nations. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree in law is required. A first level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admission to the practice of law, or otherwise qualified to practice law, in a Member State of the United Nations is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, obtained in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization or legal office of a Government or in a law firm, including experience in legal analysis, research and drafting, is required. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the university degree in law recognized by the United Nations. Substantial and progressively responsible experience in claims analysis and in the practice of international commercial arbitration is required. Experience in the practice of international commercial arbitration involving international intergovernmental organisations is desirable. Experience in the practice of law with an international intergovernmental organization is desirable. Experience in advising on the status and the privileges and immunities of an international intergovernmental organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Spanish or French is desirable. Fluency in another official United Nations language is desirable.The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details). ! , , , , , ! : !