Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations, specifically the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ), which supports the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). The UNDT is an independent tribunal that serves as the first instance of the internal justice system for the United Nations, addressing cases filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members who are appealing administrative decisions. The OAJ aims to ensure fair and impartial adjudication of disputes within the UN system. The UNDT operates in Geneva, where it conducts hearings, issues orders, and renders binding judgments. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is critical within the UNDT, providing substantive, technical, and administrative support for the adjudication of cases. The incumbent will work closely with UNDT judges, assisting in the review of submissions, drafting legal documents, and preparing background materials. The role requires a deep understanding of administrative and employment law, as well as the ability to conduct extensive legal research and analysis. The Legal Officer will also be responsible for maintaining the UNDT's registers and ensuring the accurate publication of decisions and judgments. This position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure while managing complex legal issues. The Legal Officer will play a vital role in supporting the judges in producing comprehensive judgments and responding to queries from parties involved in cases.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Officer include: reviewing submissions to the UNDT; drafting, reviewing, and advising on legal documents and correspondence; preparing background materials and summaries for judges; attending meetings and providing advice on emerging legal issues; identifying complex legal matters and drafting legal texts; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; providing legal advice on substantive and procedural questions; assisting in referrals to the Mediation Division; supporting judges in producing accurate judgments; maintaining the UNDT's registers and case law digest; and performing other duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to influence others to reach agreements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of the relevant Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or similar international organizations. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues, produce comprehensive reports, and conduct thorough legal research. The position requires discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal matters, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with judges and other stakeholders. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is essential.

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 solid foundation in legal principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. At least two years of experience in administrative or employment/labor law, preferably within an international organization or tribunal, is required. Experience in providing support to judges as a judicial or legal clerk or legal officer is desirable, as is experience in litigation within an international or domestic judicial system. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities of the legal issues that arise in the UNDT.

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, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in these languages. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse working environment of the United Nations and the need for effective communication across different languages and cultures.

Additional Notes:
The position is temporarily available as soon as possible until 31 December 2026, without the possibility of extension. Recruitment for this post is subject to classification approval, and if the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.