Legal Affairs Specialist (Administrative Law Specialist)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Administrative Law Unit (ALU) within the Office of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director. This role involves providing legal advice on administrative law matters, including management evaluations and disciplinary cases, and representing UNICEF in litigation before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). The specialist will conduct legal research, prepare responses for management, and ensure that staff members' due process rights are respected throughout the disciplinary process. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying legal issues and exploring options for resolution to avoid litigation, as well as liaising with various stakeholders within the UN system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Legal Affairs Specialist include conducting legal research and analysis regarding management evaluation requests, preparing responses for the Deputy Executive Director, identifying pertinent legal and factual issues, reviewing investigation reports, drafting Charge Letters and Disciplinary Measure Letters, defending UNICEF's position in appeals, preparing and conducting examinations of witnesses, and making recommendations on appeals of UNDT judgments. The specialist will also be responsible for liaising with the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements in submissions to the UNDT. Additional ad-hoc tasks may be assigned by the Chief of the Administrative Law Unit as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law (Master’s or Doctorate) or a first-level university degree in law with two additional years of relevant work experience. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible legal experience is required, including at least two years as a litigator at the national or international level. Experience in handling employment-law related issues within the UN or similar organizations is desirable, as is familiarity with disciplinary matters in national or international entities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant work experience. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a solid foundation in legal principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible legal experience, with at least two years specifically in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates should have experience in handling employment-law related issues, particularly within the context of the United Nations or similar international organizations, and familiarity with applicable rules and regulations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable, and proficiency in other official UN languages is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. Candidates must undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. Additionally, candidates may need to meet inoculation requirements, including vaccination against COVID-19, to be eligible for employment.