Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is related to the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as human rights, development, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in New York, where its headquarters is located. The UN employs thousands of staff members across different divisions and agencies, working towards its goals of fostering international collaboration and addressing pressing global issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs. The role involves providing secretariat services until the establishment of the permanent secretariat under the Agreement. The Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research and analysis, prepare various legal documents, and provide legal opinions on international law issues, particularly those related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the BBNJ Agreement. The position requires a deep understanding of public international law and the ability to draft legal papers, conduct research, and analyze complex legal issues. The Legal Officer will also support senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences and assist in capacity-building seminars and workshops related to the BBNJ Agreement. This role is critical in ensuring the effective implementation of international legal frameworks concerning marine biodiversity and ocean governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the BBNJ Agreement. The officer will review legal documents, identify important issues, and prepare drafts of background papers and legislative texts. Additionally, the Legal Officer will provide legal opinions on public international law issues, prepare agreements and contracts with various entities, and support senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences and committees. The role also includes assisting in representing the organization at meetings and conferences, administering technical assistance programs, and preparing capacity-building seminars. The Legal Officer will guide junior staff and analyze data to identify trends, providing insights for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, with a focus on public international law. Specialization in the law of the sea is desirable. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, with at least three years of experience specifically in the law of the sea. Experience in servicing intergovernmental meetings and dealing with issues related to the BBNJ Agreement is also required. Teaching or lecturing experience in international law, particularly the law of the sea, is considered desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, emphasizing public international law. A specialization in the law of the sea is highly desirable. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they may still qualify if they have sufficient relevant experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. Out of these five years, at least three years must be specifically focused on the law of the sea. Additionally, candidates should have experience in servicing intergovernmental meetings and dealing with issues related to the BBNJ Agreement. Experience in teaching or lecturing on international law subjects, particularly the law of the sea, and in organizing courses or seminars is also desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is considered desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages, according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and the appointment or assignment may be renewed based on budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The duty station may change, including potential relocation from New York to another duty station, depending on the needs of the organization. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not require any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.