Legal Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Investment Policies Branch of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is a permanent intergovernmental body that aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization has a mission to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade, investment, and technology. UNCTAD operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 400 employees from various cultural and professional backgrounds, working towards the common goal of fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Officer will play a crucial role in conducting extensive legal research and analysis related to foreign direct investment (FDI) and its implications for sustainable development. This position requires the officer to prepare various legal documents, including studies, reports, and legislative texts, while also providing technical and analytical input for UNCTAD publications. The officer will be responsible for assisting in the preparation of non-binding guiding principles and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing investment policymaking for regional integration organizations. Additionally, the officer will support senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences and other bodies, ensuring that all legal aspects of international investment are thoroughly addressed. The role also involves administering legal technical assistance programs and preparing seminars and symposia on international investment law, thereby contributing to capacity building in this field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Affairs Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: conducting extensive legal research and analysis on national and international legal frameworks related to foreign direct investment; reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues; preparing drafts of background papers, studies, and reports; providing technical input for UNCTAD publications; assisting in the preparation of guiding principles and policy recommendations; servicing diplomatic conferences and expert groups; administering legal technical assistance programs; preparing and lecturing at international investment law seminars; providing guidance to junior staff; and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making. The officer will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles and concepts, particularly in the field of international investment. Familiarity with the interplay between investment agreements and taxation, as well as knowledge of the energy transition and health issues, is essential. The ability to conduct thorough legal research, analyze information, and draft legal documents is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate good legal judgment, effective communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines. A commitment to gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to perform the duties of the Legal Affairs Officer effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience in international investment data analytics is desirable, as is analytical experience concerning the interplay between international investment agreements and taxation, the energy transition, or health. Additionally, experience in providing technical assistance or capacity-building activities related to international investment agreements is preferred, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to the organization's objectives.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either French, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, Arabic, or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. This multilingual requirement reflects the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and the need for effective communication in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is project-funded and is initially available for one year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance, and ongoing need for the functions. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, as the organization aims to achieve gender balance in its workforce. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated fairly based on their qualifications and organizational needs.