Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Registry is part of the independent Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) and supports the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) at the UNDT seat in Geneva. The UNDT serves as the first instance tribunal of the internal justice system, addressing cases filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members who are appealing administrative decisions. The organization is dedicated to ensuring fair and impartial adjudication of disputes within the UN system, thereby promoting justice and accountability. The UNDT conducts hearings, issues orders, and renders binding judgments, contributing to the overall integrity of the United Nations' internal justice mechanisms.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role within the Registry of the UN Dispute Tribunal, providing substantive, technical, and administrative support for the adjudication of cases. This position requires a deep understanding of legal principles, particularly in the context of administrative and employment law. The incumbent will be responsible for reviewing submissions to the UNDT, drafting and advising on legal documents, and preparing background materials to assist judges in their decision-making processes. The role also involves conducting extensive legal research, analyzing complex legal issues, and providing legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions. The Legal Officer will support judges in producing accurate judgments and maintaining the tribunal's registers and case law digest, ensuring that all legal proceedings are conducted efficiently and in accordance with established regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: 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 legal issues and drafting legal texts; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; providing legal advice on substantive and procedural questions; assisting in the preparation of 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. This role demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to manage complex legal matters effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in law, with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in 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. The ability to apply legal expertise to complex issues and to produce high-quality legal documents 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 comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates should have at least two years of experience specifically in administrative or employment/labor law, ideally within an international organization or tribunal. Experience in supporting judges as a judicial or legal clerk or legal officer is considered desirable, as well as experience in litigation in either international or domestic judicial systems.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required. Additionally, knowledge of either French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for the minimum required level of proficiency in these languages, which is essential for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is likely to be a full-time role. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting. The organization may consider candidates from various backgrounds, including international applicants, and offers a competitive compensation package along with benefits typical of UN employment.