Legal Affairs Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will provide legal advice to internal clients on data protection matters, including the interpretation of the Policy on Personal Data and Privacy, and related regulatory documents. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of legal matters, including commercial contracts, disputes, and institutional matters. The Specialist will report to the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist and is expected to work autonomously while collaborating with other team members. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and challenges, developing systemic solutions, and mitigating legal and reputational risks. The Specialist will also lead on advising and negotiating data protection framework agreements and data processing agreements, as well as providing training and capacity building across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide substantive legal advice on data protection and privacy matters, including partnerships with governments and international financial institutions, commercial transactions, institutional matters, policy development, human resources matters, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with the UNICEF Data Protection Team and other teams across the organization.
• Represent the Legal Team in the Data Protection Programme Working Group and advise on divisional and regional implementation plans.
• Negotiate data protection framework agreements and data processing agreements.
• Advise on data breaches and remedial actions.
• Interpret decisions, regulations, and rules within UNICEF's regulatory framework.
• Develop and provide training and capacity building to teams.
• Support projects managed by the Legal Team throughout their lifecycle.
• Take on additional tasks as required, demonstrating ownership and accountability over the portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
A minimum of an advanced university law degree (e.g., LL.B post-graduate, LL.M, J.D.) in a relevant field of law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university law degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, particularly in data protection law, is required. Experience in a law firm, private practice, or as in-house counsel in international organizations is also necessary. Skills required include expertise in data protection law, a client-oriented approach, excellent research and legal writing skills, and strong verbal communication and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university law degree in a relevant field of law, such as international law or commercial law. A first-level university law degree may be accepted with additional qualifying work experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles and practices relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, specifically in areas related to data protection law. Candidates should have experience working in law firms, private practice, or as in-house counsel, preferably within international organizations, development banks, or similar entities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in another language, particularly one of the official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish), is desirable. This multilingual capability is beneficial for effective communication within the diverse environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and performance. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.