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. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist position at UNICEF in Brussels involves providing legal advice and support to various business units within the organization. The role requires the specialist to deliver strategic legal solutions, manage a large portfolio of legal projects, and collaborate with internal clients on matters related to multilateral climate funds, financial transactions, and commercial contracts. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist and is expected to operate autonomously while engaging with other team members. The position emphasizes the importance of being resourceful, proactive, and client-oriented, with a focus on anticipating trends and challenges in legal matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the lead lawyer on legal agreements with multilateral climate partners, including framework agreements and funding contracts.
• Structure and negotiate project-specific climate funding agreements, informed by international climate finance standards.
• Develop and update UNICEF template agreements with various partners.
• Resolve disputes and provide guidance on financial regulations and policies.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization in diverse contexts.
• Develop and provide training on climate legal frameworks.
• Support legal knowledge management and case management projects.
• Take ownership of the legal portfolio, demonstrating accountability and creativity in problem-solving.
• Maintain high levels of responsiveness to clients and manage expectations effectively. 1
• Exercise good judgment in handling emerging challenges and escalate issues as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a constructive and client-oriented approach to problem resolution, with excellent research, legal writing, and drafting skills. Strong verbal communication and negotiation skills are essential, along with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly. The role requires a proactive mindset and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
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 at the discretion of the Chief Legal Counsel.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law in relevant fields such as international law with a climate or sustainability focus, or commercial law is required. Experience in a law firm, private practice, or as in-house counsel, particularly within international organizations, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

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 various benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles, including a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.