Legal Services Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) is a part of the United Nations, which provides legal assistance to staff members. The OSLA is dedicated to ensuring that staff members receive independent and impartial legal support in navigating the internal justice system. The organization operates under the authority of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and is responsible for managing legal assistance programs related to administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings. The OSLA aims to uphold the rights of staff members and ensure fair treatment within the UN system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Services Consultant position at OSLA involves providing high-quality legal services to staff members of the United Nations. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Chief of OSLA and will be responsible for offering legal advice, representing clients in legal proceedings, and conducting legal research. The role requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the internal justice system of the UN. The consultant will also assist in resolving disputes informally and will be expected to maintain accurate records and databases related to legal precedents. This position is crucial for ensuring that staff members have access to the legal support they need in a timely and efficient manner, thereby contributing to the overall integrity of the UN's internal justice system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Services Consultant include:

• Providing legal advice to clients regarding their terms of appointment and related matters.
• Representing and litigating on behalf of clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT).
• Preparing written and oral submissions for cases presented to the UNDT and UNAT.
• Identifying cases that can be resolved informally and assisting clients in the settlement process.
• Responding to complex inquiries and correspondence from clients.
• Conducting extensive legal research and providing detailed analyses of cases and relevant jurisprudence.
• Offering legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions.
• Assisting the Office in producing accurate and comprehensive legal submissions, including reviewing and drafting submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Maintaining the Office's electronic and online registers and a legal precedent reporting database. 1
• Performing any other duties as required by the Chief of OSLA.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must have five years of progressive experience in law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience as an advocate or litigator before courts and tribunals is also required. Additionally, experience in administrative law within an international organization is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international law. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate complex legal issues within the UN framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressive experience in the legal field. This experience should encompass legal analysis, research, and writing, as well as advocacy or litigation before courts and tribunals. Candidates with experience in administrative law, particularly within an international organization, will have an advantage in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another official United Nations language is also considered beneficial. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and legal representation within the UN system.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not request any financial information from applicants at any stage of the hiring process. This ensures that the recruitment process is fair and transparent, allowing candidates to focus on their qualifications and suitability for the role.