Legal Officer P2

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and promotes a healthy and inclusive work environment, guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and development programs, providing opportunities for career advancement across its country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer P2 positions are based in the Legal Office at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will play a crucial role in providing legal advice and services that support WFP offices worldwide. The work is typically conducted under the guidance of more senior Legal Officers, allowing for the development of essential legal skills such as advisory, analytical, drafting, advocacy, and litigation within an international context. The Legal Officer will be involved in various legal matters, including the development and interpretation of WFP’s employment framework, advising on contractual modalities for personnel deployment, and handling issues related to conduct and discipline. The role also includes assisting in contentious matters related to employment contracts and representing WFP in administrative tribunals and other adjudicatory bodies. The Legal Office operates on a pooled service arrangement, promoting inter-branch engagement and expanding staff knowledge and skills, with an expectation that up to 50% of the work may pertain to other branches of the Legal Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer P2 will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting legal research and analysis on substantive and procedural legal issues; reviewing legal documents such as agreements and contracts to identify relevant legal issues and ensure compliance; preparing legal advice on WFP's Regulations, Rules, Policies, and Procedures; drafting legal documents including opinions, reports, and contracts; providing legal support in administrative or tribunal proceedings; assisting in the assessment of disciplinary cases and appeals; preparing litigation submissions; negotiating and settling claims and disputes involving WFP; identifying legal risks and developing risk mitigation measures; reviewing administrative decisions and providing legal interpretations; and supporting senior Legal Officers in servicing committees and task forces through legal research and drafting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law or a first university degree in law with additional relevant experience and training in private, commercial, or public law. They must also be qualified to practice or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society. The position requires a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree in law may be considered if they have additional relevant experience and training in private, commercial, or public law. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of legal issues that may arise in the context of WFP's operations.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of progressively responsible experience practicing law within a law firm, an international organization, governmental service, or a corporate environment. Experience in litigation and/or employment law is considered an asset, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the Legal Officer role.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge of another official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, as these are among WFP’s working languages. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication within the diverse international environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional position (non-rotational) and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement for WFP, although this specific position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning the incumbent will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. WFP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in accordance with ICSC standards, which includes a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. The selected candidates will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.