Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Peacekeeping and Operational Support Cluster of the General Legal Division in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) of the United Nations. The OLA is responsible for providing legal advice and support to the UN's various operations and activities, ensuring compliance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the UN's own regulations. The organization aims to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote human rights, and foster social and economic development. The UN was established in 1945 and operates in multiple countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to its mission.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in providing legal advice on a wide range of matters related to international, public, private, and administrative law. This includes interpreting and applying legal instruments that govern UN activities. The officer will prepare legal opinions and advice on various substantive and procedural questions, which may involve administration, management, and operational activities related to peacekeeping and field operations. The position requires extensive legal research and analysis, as well as the preparation of legal documents, briefs, and reports. The Legal Officer will also review legal documents, identify key issues, and provide legal advice on peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and collaborative arrangements with Member States and other organizations. The role demands strong analytical skills, legal writing proficiency, and the ability to handle complex legal issues while working under tight deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: providing legal advice on international law matters; preparing legal opinions and advice on administrative and management issues; conducting legal research and analysis; reviewing legal documents and identifying important issues; advising on peacekeeping and operational matters; drafting complex contracts and agreements; representing the UN in arbitral and administrative proceedings; assisting senior colleagues in servicing expert groups; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international law, particularly as it pertains to the UN and its operations. They should have experience in the practical application of international law, including commercial matters and the law of international organizations. The ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions is essential. Strong analytical skills, legal writing proficiency, and discretion in handling sensitive legal matters are required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong negotiating skills and the ability to influence others to reach agreements.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Admission to the practice of law in a Member State of the United Nations is also required.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law is required, including experience in public international law, legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates should have experience working in international organizations, governmental service, or law firms dealing with international law matters. Professional legal experience related to UN peace operations or similar international organizations is essential.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30 September 2026, with the possibility of extension. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, depending on funding sources. The position is subject to the United Nations' policies regarding recruitment and employment, including considerations for geographical diversity and the necessity of securing high standards of efficiency and integrity. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.