Financial Legal Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to combat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to high-quality food. The organization employs thousands of individuals dedicated to its mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition and food security globally. FAO's work encompasses a wide range of activities, including policy development, technical assistance, and capacity building in various sectors related to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and food systems.

Job Overview:
The Financial Legal Support Officer position is situated within the Finance Division (CSF) of FAO, specifically in the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch (CSFT). This role is crucial for providing procedural advice to ensure the efficient and effective management of investment, payment, and banking services. The officer will support the contracting activities of the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch, ensuring compliance with FAO's rules and regulations. The position requires a strong understanding of financial operations and legal frameworks, as the officer will be involved in drafting complex contracts, reviewing financial agreements, and providing advisory support on legal matters related to banking and investment processes. The officer will also participate in negotiations with financial counterparties and assist in resolving potential disputes, making this role integral to the financial integrity and operational success of FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Legal Support Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing advisory support on legal aspects related to banking, investment, and payment processes, ensuring compliance with FAO's established policies and best practices.
• Participating in meetings with financial counterparties to assist in negotiating contractual terms and conditions, and addressing potential disputes.
• Drafting complex contracts and reviewing investment, payment, and banking agreements, including the formulation of special legal provisions and formal letters with legal implications.
• Liaising with the Legal Office to secure necessary consultations and clearances for legal matters.
• Preparing reviews of financial regulatory changes that may impact the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch.
• Drafting guidelines and documents relevant to treasury and banking operations, focusing on legal matters and risk mitigation.
• Assisting in the initial review of financial contracts before submission for legal clearance, ensuring thorough coordination with the Legal Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, with a focus on commercial contract law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of relevant work experience and completion of a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted.
• A minimum of five years of professional legal experience in commercial contract law, including at least two years of relevant experience in finance, banking, asset management, or financial services.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (level B).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law, specifically with an emphasis on commercial contract law. Candidates with a first-level university degree in law may be considered if they have additional relevant work experience and have completed a professional qualification to practice law in their jurisdiction. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of legal frameworks in financial contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of professional legal experience, particularly in commercial contract law. This experience should include at least two years in the fields of finance, banking, asset management, or financial services. The role requires a demonstrated ability to draft complex contracts and provide advisory support in legal matters related to financial operations.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (level B) of one of the other official FAO languages, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic work environment that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing. The position may also involve travel or work in different locations, depending on the needs of the organization and the specific projects undertaken.