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 in an independent and impartial manner. The office is headed by a Chief who is accountable to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and is responsible for managing the legal assistance program within the internal justice system, which includes administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal. The organization aims to ensure that staff members have access to legal support and representation in matters related to their employment and rights within the UN system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is crucial for providing legal assistance to staff members involved in the administration of justice within the United Nations. The role involves advising clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary matters, representing clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal, and preparing legal submissions that comply with procedural requirements. The Legal Officer will also identify cases suitable for informal resolution, assist in complex inquiries, conduct legal research, and provide comprehensive legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions. The position requires a strong understanding of UN rules and regulations, as well as the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions. The Legal Officer will work closely with the Chief of OSLA and contribute to the office's overall mission of ensuring fair legal representation for UN staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing legal assistance to individuals covered by the administration of justice as defined by General Assembly resolution 63/25
• Advising clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary matters.
• Representing clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal, including preparing written and oral submissions.
• Identifying cases suitable for informal resolution and assisting clients in mediation processes.
• Responding to complex inquiries and drafting legal documents and correspondence.
• Conducting extensive legal research and providing detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence.
• Assisting in the preparation of reports for the General Assembly and maintaining the office's legal precedent reporting database.
• Ensuring compliance with administrative and budgetary requirements of the Nairobi office.
• Performing other duties as required by the Chief of OSLA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the relevant rules and regulations of the United Nations, as well as the ability to apply legal expertise to analyze complex legal issues. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in legal writing, and the ability to conduct trials on behalf of clients. Additionally, candidates should have excellent negotiating skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. The position requires discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal issues, as well as the ability to maintain productive partnerships with clients.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">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 for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal framework within which the United Nations operates.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Additionally, two years of litigation experience at the national or international level is required, including firsthand experience in appearing before a court or tribunal. Experience within the UN common system or similar international organizations is desirable, as it provides valuable insight into the unique legal environment of the United Nations.

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 requirement reflects the diverse nature of the UN and its operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Temporary Job Opening (TJO) and is intended to address a critical staffing requirement. The role is available for a period of 364 days, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The position 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 and adheres to strict standards of integrity and professionalism in its recruitment process.