Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Nairobi office of the Appeals and Accountability Section of the Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance. The ALD is responsible for implementing the United Nations (UN) standards of conduct for all personnel across the UN Secretariat. It provides strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represents the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The division also handles disciplinary matters related to Secretariat staff, oversees efforts to prevent and respond to unsatisfactory conduct, and supports UN Secretariat managers in addressing conduct and discipline matters.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will report to the Chief of Section and will represent the Secretary-General in written and oral proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). The role involves handling a variety of issues related to international, public, private, and administrative law, including the interpretation and application of legislative instruments governing UN activities. The Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research and analysis, prepare studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence, and review legal documents to identify important issues. The position requires preparing legal opinions on a wide range of international law issues, assessing evidence for relevance, and providing legal advice on human resources matters. The Legal Officer will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating professionalism and effective communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer's responsibilities include: handling issues related to international, public, private, and administrative law; conducting legal research and analysis; preparing drafts of background papers, studies, and reports; providing legal opinions on international public or private law issues; preparing agreements and negotiating claims; assessing evidence for relevance and admissibility; providing legal advice on human resources matters; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires the ability to exercise sound judgment, handle confidential material, and analyze complex legal issues within tight deadlines. The Legal Officer must also demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of law, preferably in administrative and employment or labor law, and the ability to apply legal principles in litigation contexts. Knowledge of the jurisprudence of the UN Dispute Tribunal and related bodies is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining discretion and confidentiality. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible legal experience is required, including at least two years in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates must have first-hand experience in appearing and leading evidence before a court or tribunal. Experience in administrative and employment or labor law, as well as familiarity with UN staff regulations and operations, is desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process emphasizes the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered. The position may involve a probationary period and requires adherence to UN regulations regarding mobility and assignment.