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 organization is led 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. This includes handling administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal. OSLA operates in multiple locations, including Entebbe, Uganda, and Amman, Jordan, and aims to ensure that staff members have access to legal support in navigating the complexities of the UN's internal justice system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is crucial for providing legal assistance to individuals involved in the UN's administration of justice. The role requires the officer to advise clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary matters, represent clients in legal proceedings, and prepare necessary legal documents. The Legal Officer will also identify cases suitable for informal resolution and assist clients in navigating these processes. The position demands a strong understanding of legal principles, the ability to conduct thorough legal research, and the capacity to analyze complex legal issues. The officer will work closely with the Chief of OSLA and contribute to the overall functioning of the office by ensuring compliance with legal standards and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing legal assistance to clients as defined by the UN's administration of justice framework; advising on appeals and disciplinary matters; representing clients before the UN Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal; preparing written and oral submissions; identifying cases for informal resolution; conducting legal research and analysis; drafting and reviewing legal documents; maintaining legal registers and databases; assisting in the preparation of reports for the General Assembly; ensuring compliance with administrative and budgetary requirements; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in legal principles and practices, with a focus on law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The position requires excellent analytical skills, the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research, and proficiency in legal writing. Candidates should demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive legal issues. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence outcomes are also essential. The Legal Officer must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of professionalism and client orientation.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in 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 ensures that the Legal Officer has a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks relevant to the UN and its operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of litigation experience at either the national or international level, with direct experience in presenting evidence and leading witnesses in court or tribunal settings. Experience within the UN common system or similar international organizations is considered desirable, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position. Proficiency in either French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Russian is desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language proficiency requirements, which detail the minimum levels of competency expected in these languages for effective communication within the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether the position is full-time or part-time. However, it is important to note that the role is based in Amman, Jordan, and may involve working with international staff and clients. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect a competitive salary and benefits package typical of UN positions.