Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which is a peacekeeping mission established to support the Central African Republic in its transition towards peace and stability. The UN mission aims to protect civilians, support the political process, and facilitate humanitarian assistance. MINUSCA operates in a challenging environment, focusing on the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, and the disarmament of armed groups. The mission is composed of various components, including military, police, and civilian personnel, working collaboratively to achieve its objectives. The UN has a long-standing commitment to peacekeeping and has been involved in numerous missions worldwide since its establishment in 1948, with MINUSCA being one of the key missions currently active in the Central African Republic.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer plays a crucial role in providing legal expertise and advice to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic. This position involves supporting the Mission Chief of Staff in implementing the work program of the legal section and addressing a wide range of complex legal issues that affect the mission's mandate and activities. The incumbent will be responsible for interpreting the mission's mandate, advising on legal status, privileges, immunities, and operational activities, including rules of engagement and directives on the use of force. The role also includes drafting and reviewing legal documents, negotiating settlements for claims and disputes, and maintaining good working relations with government officials and other entities. The Senior Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research and analysis, prepare legal opinions and reports, and represent the legal service at various meetings and conferences. This position requires a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to manage complex legal challenges in a dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Providing legal advice and expertise on public international law, private law, administrative law, and constitutional law as they pertain to the mission's operations.
• Supporting the Mission Leadership in interpreting the mission's mandate and advising on legal status and operational activities.
• Drafting and reviewing legal documents, including agreements, contracts, and legal submissions.
• Participating in negotiations for the settlement of claims and disputes.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with government officials and other entities on legal matters.
• Participating in administrative boards and committees related to procurement and claims management.
• Conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions, studies, and reports.
• Managing and supervising junior legal officers and organizing the workload of the unit.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong legal background with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience in a senior legal role within a peacekeeping operation or a comparable international organization is essential. The ability to provide legal services in a conflict or post-conflict environment is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of international law and the legal frameworks governing peacekeeping operations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices relevant to the mission's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, with a focus on legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates should have experience working as a Senior Legal Officer or in a similar capacity within a peacekeeping operation or an international organization. Experience providing legal services in a conflict or post-conflict environment is considered an asset, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of legal issues in challenging settings.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required. Candidates should be familiar with the UN Language Framework, which outlines the minimum required level for each skill in these languages. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the mission and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, and is part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. While the specific contract duration is not mentioned, positions within the UN peacekeeping missions typically involve a commitment to serve in challenging environments. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally, depending on their qualifications and experience. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, which include competitive salaries, allowances, and opportunities for professional development.