Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various global issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. This position involves conducting legal research, maintaining legal reference files, processing legal instruments, and preparing materials for conferences. The Legal Assistant is expected to assist in logistical tasks related to the conference, prepare informational documents, and liaise with various stakeholders. The role requires a strong understanding of legal processes and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The Legal Assistant will also provide guidance and training to less experienced staff, ensuring that all legal documentation is accurate and compliant with relevant guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant's responsibilities include conducting basic research on legal issues, maintaining legal reference files, processing legal instruments, preparing materials for conferences, and providing logistical support. The assistant will draft and edit documentation, handle inquiries from internal and external parties, and support various committees during meetings. Additionally, the Legal Assistant will maintain internal databases, generate reports, and provide general office support services. The role also involves coordinating ceremonies and meetings, ensuring timely receipt of legal instruments, and assisting in the preparation of documents for the Conference.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in program or project administration, paralegal work, or conference servicing is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years. Experience with UN policies and procedures is desirable, as is familiarity with legal documentation and processes.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While specific higher education qualifications are not mandated, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that further education is beneficial for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in areas such as program administration, paralegal work, or conference servicing. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with five years of experience. Experience in dealing with UN policies and procedures is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the organization's operational framework.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. This reflects the multilingual environment of the United Nations and the need for effective communication across different languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially available until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of renewal subject to budgetary approval. The selected candidate will be expected to attend the Conference in Bangkok from mid-January to mid-February 202

• The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.