Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Arbitration and Claims Cluster of the General Legal Division at the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization employs thousands of staff members across various countries, working in diverse fields to address global challenges. The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice and services to the UN and its various organs, ensuring compliance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the organization's regulations.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will serve as a lead officer in one or more areas of concentration, handling a wide range of complex legal matters that involve international commercial law, public law, private law, and administrative law. The role requires providing legal advice on substantive and procedural questions, conducting extensive legal research, and preparing legal opinions and documents. The officer will also be involved in arbitral proceedings, representing the organization in complex cases, and advising on disputes and claims. The position demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure while managing multiple projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: serving as a lead officer in specific legal areas, providing legal advice on complex issues, conducting legal research and analysis, preparing legal documents, and representing the organization in arbitral and administrative proceedings. The officer will also draft and negotiate contracts, advise on disputes with vendors and contractors, and participate in negotiations and settlements of claims. Additionally, the officer will mentor junior legal officers, contribute to the development of legal instruments and policies, and perform other duties as assigned by the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of the General Legal Division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles and procedures, with the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts. The role requires excellent analytical skills, the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research, and the capacity to draft legal documents clearly and concisely. Candidates should demonstrate strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others to reach agreements. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Candidates must also be admitted to the practice of law or otherwise qualified to practice law in a Member State of the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law is required, ideally obtained in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization, a government legal office, or a law firm. Candidates should have substantial experience in claims analysis and international commercial arbitration, with a preference for those who have worked with international intergovernmental organizations. Experience advising on the status and privileges of international organizations is also desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, and knowledge of another official UN language is also a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 202

• If the selected candidate is already a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates must provide accurate information in their applications.