Legal Affairs Specialist

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 employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will provide legal advice to internal clients on UNICEF's arrangements with private sector partners, digital service providers, and data management. This role involves supporting various business units globally on legal matters including commercial contracts, disputes, and institutional issues. The Specialist will report to the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist and is expected to work autonomously while collaborating with team members. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and challenges, developing solutions, and safeguarding the organization from legal risks. The Specialist will also be involved in negotiations, policy development, and training initiatives, ensuring that UNICEF's legal framework is adhered to and that the organization can effectively engage with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will lead negotiations of agreements, frameworks, MOUs, and contracts with key partners. They will advise on policy development, implementation issues, and dispute resolution. The Specialist will collaborate with various teams across the organization, providing legal interpretation of decisions and regulations. They will develop training programs and support projects related to legal knowledge management and office governance. The role requires taking ownership of legal matters, managing client expectations, and exercising good judgment in addressing emerging challenges. The Specialist will also be responsible for maintaining high levels of responsiveness to clients and keeping supervisors informed of progress and issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a post-graduate university law degree (e.g., LL.B, LL.M, J.D.) in a relevant field of law, or a first-level university degree with additional qualifying work experience. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible legal experience in relevant fields is required, including experience in law firms, private practice, or international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in data protection law and possess excellent research, legal writing, and negotiation skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion are essential.

Educational Background:
A post-graduate university law degree is required, with a focus on commercial law or international law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, particularly in areas such as data protection law. Experience in a law firm, as in-house counsel, or within international organizations is essential to meet the demands of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) being desirable. This linguistic capability will enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension based on organizational needs and performance. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo background checks and medical clearance, and compliance with vaccination requirements is mandatory. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.