Senior Legal Associate (Paralegal)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Associate (Paralegal) position at UNICEF in Brussels involves providing paralegal and administrative support to the Legal team. This role requires collaboration with the Senior Legal Associate in New York and reporting to the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist in Brussels. The position is crucial for delivering strategic legal solutions and empowering clients by anticipating trends and challenges. The Senior Legal Associate is expected to perform various paralegal and administrative functions, working closely with team members to ensure effective legal support across UNICEF's global operations. The role emphasizes a client-oriented approach, responsiveness, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Associate (Paralegal) will be responsible for a range of duties including but not limited to: providing paralegal support to the legal team, assisting in the preparation of legal documents, conducting legal research, maintaining legal files and documentation, managing case files, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. The role also involves liaising with various stakeholders, assisting in the development of legal strategies, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the legal team. The Senior Legal Associate will be expected to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with the utmost care, while also supporting the team in administrative tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a constructive and client-oriented approach to problem resolution. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with staff at all levels. Proficiency in using software tools such as MS Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Power BI is required. The ability to work with discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a high-school diploma or equivalent is required, supplemented by specialized training or technical courses relevant to the job. A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field may substitute for three years of related work experience, while a Master’s degree may replace an additional two years of experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in paralegal work or in supporting the work of a legal team. Experience in a law firm or the legal office of an international organization is highly desirable, as is relevant experience in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. Proficiency in additional languages, such as Portuguese, is also desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization provides a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.