Legal Adviser/Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) is a vital part of UNESCO, which is dedicated to promoting peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and strives to foster dialogue among civilizations. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNESCO is committed to upholding its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The Legal Adviser/Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) plays a crucial role in providing legal guidance and management within UNESCO. This position requires a deep understanding of both international and national law, as the incumbent will be responsible for advising on complex legal issues that arise from the Organization's activities. The role involves not only providing legal advice but also managing the Office's operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading a team of legal professionals. The incumbent will work closely with various organizational units to address intricate legal problems and contribute to the overall policy objectives of UNESCO. This position is pivotal in safeguarding the Organization's interests and enhancing the legal safety of its activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing legal advice on all legal issues arising from the Organization’s activities.
• Advising the Secretariat on legal matters related to regulatory, statutory, and standard-setting activities.
• Offering legal counsel to the General Conference and the Executive Board of UNESCO as needed.
• Guiding the elaboration, adoption, and revision of international standard-setting instruments.
• Advising on the application, interpretation, and amendment of the Organization's Constitution and other statutory texts.
• Directing the preparation and review of legal briefs for representation in judicial proceedings.
• Representing the Director-General in committees related to legal matters.
• Managing the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs and ensuring effective collaboration with other units within UNESCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, with a specialization in public international law. Additionally, they should have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in the legal field, particularly within the United Nations system or at the national level. Extensive experience in senior management roles and a proven track record of providing authoritative legal advice on complex legal issues are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational transformations effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law is required, with a focus on public international law. Additional degrees or training in relevant disciplines may be considered beneficial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on progressively responsible roles in the legal field. Candidates should have substantial experience in senior management or executive positions, particularly within international organizations or the United Nations system. Proven experience in providing legal advice on complex issues and leading teams is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of UNESCO (English or French) and the ability to work in the second language. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and advantageous for the position.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being US$ 204,45

• Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve various assessments, including video interviews and reference checks. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds.