Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive environment, embodying values such as Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. The organization encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, promoting equal employment opportunities.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Officer is situated within the Legal Office at WFP's Global Headquarters in Rome. The incumbent will report to a Senior Legal Officer and is expected to operate with a high level of independence in providing legal advice and addressing complex legal issues. This role involves specialized legal work that requires a deep understanding of legal principles and the ability to navigate intricate legal frameworks. The Legal Officer will be responsible for originating new policies or programs in specific legal areas and will work with minimal supervision, pursuing new activities within a broad program framework. The role also includes developing client relationships and ensuring that WFP's legal interests are protected while minimizing liabilities. The Legal Officer will serve as a lead officer in specialized legal areas, ensuring comprehensive legal services are provided to the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will undertake a variety of key responsibilities, including but not limited to: serving as a lead officer in one or more areas of concentration, independently managing a wide range of complex legal matters, and ensuring the provision of comprehensive legal services. The incumbent will participate in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes involving WFP and its personnel, representing the organization in administrative or tribunal proceedings. Additionally, the Legal Officer will develop policies, directives, and guidelines to establish an appropriate regulatory framework for the organization. The role requires extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, and reports. The Legal Officer will also provide legal services on various boards and committees, represent WFP at meetings and conferences, and facilitate awareness of potential liability exposure. The position includes supervising and mentoring other legal staff, ensuring an equitable and inclusive workplace, and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Law or a first university degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training in private, administrative, or employment law. Furthermore, candidates must be qualified to practice or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society. The position requires a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures, as well as the ability to interpret and apply complex legislative instruments. Candidates should demonstrate strong initiative, decision-making capabilities, and strategic thinking skills, along with solid communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Law. Alternatively, a first university degree in Law is acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience and training in private, administrative, or employment law. Candidates must also be qualified to practice law or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society, ensuring they have the necessary credentials to provide legal services effectively.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have eight years or more of progressively responsible experience in law, including at least three years of international experience. This experience should encompass a wide range of legal services, particularly in providing legal advice to senior managers or important clients. Prior litigation experience in administrative or employment law is also essential, as the role involves handling complex legal matters and representing the organization in various legal proceedings.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, as these are considered working languages within WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement for WFP, although this specific position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning the incumbent will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.