Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) is part of the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) within the United Nations. OSLA is dedicated to providing legal assistance to staff members involved in the internal justice system of the UN. The office is led by a Chief who is responsible for the management and functioning of the legal assistance program, ensuring that staff members receive independent and impartial legal support. OSLA operates under the authority of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and is accountable for its actions and decisions. The organization aims to uphold the principles of justice and fairness within the UN system, providing a vital service to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is crucial for providing legal assistance to UN staff members in matters related to administrative justice. The role involves advising clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary actions, representing them in legal proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal, and preparing necessary legal documents. The Legal Officer will also engage in legal research, analyze complex legal issues, and assist in informal resolution processes such as mediation. This position requires a strong understanding of UN regulations and the ability to navigate the intricacies of the internal justice system. The Legal Officer will work closely with the Chief of OSLA and contribute to the overall mission of ensuring fair treatment of staff members within the UN framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing legal assistance to staff members involved in administrative justice cases; advising clients on appeals and disciplinary matters; representing clients in legal proceedings; preparing written and oral submissions for tribunals; identifying cases suitable for informal resolution; conducting legal research and analysis; drafting legal documents and correspondence; maintaining the Office's legal databases; assisting in the preparation of reports for the General Assembly; ensuring compliance with administrative and budgetary requirements; and performing other duties as assigned. The role demands a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong legal background with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. A minimum of two years of litigation experience at either the national or international level is required, with direct experience in court appearances and witness examination. Familiarity with the UN system or similar international organizations is desirable. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, legal writing proficiency, and the ability to handle complex legal issues with sound judgment and discretion.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international 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 is essential to ensure that the Legal Officer has the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of international law and the UN legal framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible legal experience, with a focus on legal analysis, research, and writing. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of litigation experience, which includes appearing in court and leading witness testimonies. Experience within the UN common system or similar international organizations is considered an asset, as it provides valuable insight into the unique legal environment of the UN.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in these languages. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication within the diverse UN environment and for addressing the needs of clients from various linguistic backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The role 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 emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. The UN Secretariat operates in a non-smoking environment and is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.