Legal Officer (Administrative Law)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates in five areas of operation, focusing on delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities in the region. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The organization aims to create a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting gender parity and mutual respect among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer (Administrative Law) plays a crucial role in advising the UNRWA on the interpretation and application of its regulatory framework, particularly concerning administrative and governance matters. This position involves providing timely legal advice to the organization and its management, aiming to utilize the informal internal justice system effectively to minimize the number of cases submitted through the formal system. The Legal Officer will engage in various aspects of international administrative law, including disciplinary matters, and assist with alternative dispute resolution efforts in coordination with the Ombudsman and the Legal Office of Staff Legal Assistance. The role also includes drafting legal responses to Decision Review Requests and conducting research into case law to produce a compendium of precedents and statistics, which will help reduce the backlog of administrative and disciplinary cases. The Legal Officer will advise managers on the proportionality and consistency of disciplinary measures across the Agency and provide legal advice during formal internal justice proceedings as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise on the interpretation and application of UNRWA’s regulatory framework, focusing on administrative and governance issues, Staff Regulations and Rules, and related policies.
• Provide timely legal advice to management to maximize the benefits of the informal internal justice system and reduce formal case submissions.
• Assist with alternative dispute resolution efforts in collaboration with the Ombudsman and Staff Legal Assistance.
• Draft legal responses to Decision Review Requests within the internal justice system.
• Conduct research into case law to create a compendium of precedents and statistics to help manage the backlog of administrative and disciplinary cases.
• Advise managers on the proportionality and consistency of disciplinary measures across the Agency.
• Provide legal advice during proceedings before the formal internal justice system as required.
• Uphold UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity in all aspects of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law from an accredited institution, specializing in international law, contract law, commercial law, or administrative law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction and an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible work experience as a lawyer in the UN, other international organizations, government service, the commercial/private sector, or NGOs, with a focus on administrative law matters. Familiarity with the UN system and practices is desirable, as is experience in public international law, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation in internal UN tribunals. Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction and specialization in international administrative law or employment law are also desirable qualifications.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law is required, with a specialization in international law, contract law, commercial law, or administrative law. A first-level university degree combined with admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction and two additional years of relevant experience may be considered equivalent to an advanced degree. Candidates must ensure that all university degrees are clearly stated in their applications, as this is a critical requirement for consideration.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience as a lawyer, specifically in the context of the United Nations, other international organizations, government service, the commercial/private sector, or NGOs. This experience should demonstrate a strong background in administrative law matters. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside their country of nationality or citizenship unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Familiarity with UN practices and experience in public international law, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation in internal UN tribunals are highly desirable.

Languages:
An excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language, particularly Arabic, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of two years, subject to the availability of funds, need, and performance. The incumbent may be required to travel as needed within the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East. Applications must be submitted in English through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, Inspira, and late applications will not be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) must be completed accurately, detailing full work experience and educational qualifications. UNRWA personnel must include their contract type and grade level in their applications. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from this selection process, allowing successful candidates to be eligible for similar posts in the future. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is a non-smoking work environment.