Legal Services Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) operates under the United Nations, providing legal assistance to staff members in an independent and impartial manner. The OSLA is accountable to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and is responsible for managing the legal assistance program within the internal justice system, which includes administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT). The organization aims to ensure that staff members receive timely and high-quality legal services, thereby upholding their rights and ensuring fair treatment within the UN system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Services Consultant position is designed to provide efficient, timely, and high-quality legal services to the OSLA and its clients. The consultant will work remotely and is expected to deliver legal advice, represent clients in legal proceedings, and assist in various legal matters related to the terms of appointment of UN staff members. The role requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the internal justice system of the United Nations, as well as the ability to conduct legal research and prepare comprehensive legal submissions. The consultant will also play a crucial role in identifying cases suitable for informal resolution and will assist clients throughout the settlement process, ensuring that their legal rights are protected and advocated effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Services Consultant include: • Providing legal advice to clients regarding their terms of appointment; • Representing and litigating on behalf of clients before the UNDT and UNAT; • Preparing written and oral submissions 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; • Conducting extensive legal research and providing detailed analyses of cases and jurisprudence; • Offering legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions; • Assisting the Office in producing accurate and comprehensive submissions, including reviewing and drafting submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy; • Maintaining the Office's registers (both electronic and online) and a legal precedent reporting database; • Performing 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 essential, while experience in administrative law within an international organization is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks within which the United Nations operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressive experience in the field of law. 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 a competitive advantage, as this knowledge is vital for navigating the legal landscape of the UN.

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, as it is also a working language of the UN. Additionally, familiarity with another official United Nations language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of nine months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage, including application, interview, processing, or training. Furthermore, the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.