Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The UN was established in 1945 with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. MINUSCA was deployed in 2014 to support the Central African Republic in stabilizing the country and protecting civilians. The organization operates in various countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping, and development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer will play a crucial role in providing legal expertise and advice on a wide range of complex legal issues that affect the United Nations Mission's mandate and activities. This includes public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, private law, administrative law, and constitutional law as they pertain to the Mission. The incumbent will support the Mission Leadership in interpreting the Mission's mandate and legal status, advising on operational activities, rules of engagement, and international law matters. The role also involves drafting and reviewing legal documents, negotiating settlements, and maintaining good relations with government officials and other entities. The Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, and representing the Service at various meetings and conferences. This position requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the implementation of the work programme of the Section and provide legal expertise on complex legal issues affecting the Mission.
• Advise on the interpretation of the Mission's mandate and legal status, including privileges and immunities.
• Provide legal advice on operational activities, rules of engagement, and international law matters.
• Draft and review agreements, contracts, and legal documents, and participate in negotiations for claims and disputes.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining relations with government officials and other entities on legal matters.
• Participate in administrative Boards and Committees related to procurement and claims management.
• Manage and supervise junior legal officers, organizing and prioritizing workload.
• Conduct extensive legal research and prepare legal opinions and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience in a similar role within a peacekeeping operation or international organization is essential, and experience in a conflict or post-conflict environment is desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that the candidate has a solid foundation in legal principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, which includes 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 comparable international organization. Experience providing legal services in a conflict or post-conflict environment is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex legal challenges in challenging contexts.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both English and French is required. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, as outlined in the UN Language Framework. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, and is part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. The position may involve working in a challenging environment, requiring adaptability and resilience. The role is full-time, and the incumbent will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards, and the position may involve travel within the mission area.