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.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist position at UNICEF in Brussels involves providing strategic legal solutions to various business units worldwide. The role requires advising on legal matters related to financial service arrangements, cash transfer programs, and commercial contracts. The specialist will work autonomously while collaborating with team members and reporting to the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist in New York. The position emphasizes proactive engagement with clients, anticipating legal trends, and developing systemic solutions to mitigate risks. The specialist will manage a diverse portfolio of legal projects, ensuring compliance with UNICEF's regulations and policies while also providing training and capacity building to internal teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the lead lawyer on legal agreements with financial service providers, including banks and digital payment providers.
• Oversee legal agreements for cash-based transfer programs and electronic payments.
• Provide guidance on bank guarantees and update UNICEF's template agreements.
• Resolve disputes and manage court orders affecting UNICEF's financial resources.
• Advise on leases for UNICEF offices globally and internal financial policy development.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization in various development and humanitarian contexts.
• Develop and deliver training to internal divisions and offices.
• Support legal knowledge management and case management projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Maintain high levels of responsiveness to clients and manage expectations effectively. 1
• Exercise good judgment on emerging challenges and escalate issues as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of an advanced university law degree (LL.B, LL.M, J.D.) in a relevant field such as international or commercial law. Alternatively, a first-level university law degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. A constructive, client-oriented approach to problem resolution is essential, along with excellent research, legal writing, and drafting skills. Strong verbal communication and negotiation skills are required, as well as the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

Educational Background:
An advanced university law degree is required for this position, with a focus on relevant fields such as international law or commercial law. Candidates with a first-level university law degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying work experience.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice is required, particularly in international or commercial law. Experience in a law firm, private practice, or as in-house counsel, as well as experience in 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 ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

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. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and meet medical clearance requirements. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF.