Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food. The organization focuses on improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and it plays a crucial role in global efforts to improve nutrition and food systems.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within the Legal Office (LEG) of FAO, specifically in the General Legal Affairs Service (LEGA) at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role involves providing authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Director-General, various units within Headquarters and in the field, as well as to the Governing and Statutory Bodies and Members of the Organization. The Legal Officer will focus on law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the law of international organizations, including international administrative law, and will be responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis on questions related to the Organization's mandate. This position requires a deep understanding of legal frameworks and the ability to navigate complex legal issues that arise in the context of FAO's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research and analyze questions relating to international, public, private, and administrative law. This includes the application and interpretation of FAO Basic Texts, internal rules, privileges and immunities, institutional questions, treaty law and practice, procurement and contract law, and issues related to the FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies. The officer will undertake a thorough review of legal documents and instruments, drafting legal opinions, advice, and communications on relevant legal matters. Additionally, the Legal Officer will review complaints lodged by staff members with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Administrative Tribunal and prepare pleadings for the Organization. Participation in working groups, meetings, seminars, and conferences is also expected, along with performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience and completion of professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of relevant legal experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law, and contract law is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong proficiency in legal research and analysis, as well as experience in drafting and advising on complex legal matters.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in law. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree in law, they must also have two additional years of relevant work experience and have completed a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks governing the operations of FAO.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant legal experience, particularly in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law, and contract law. Experience in providing legal advice on questions pertaining to the operation of FAO and its Governing and Statutory Bodies is highly desirable. Work experience in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions, is also considered advantageous.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional FAO official languages is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is important to note that candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements and competencies. The role may involve working in a full-time capacity, and the organization may consider candidates for international recruitment. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.