Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established to address environmental issues on a global scale, UNEP plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges and fostering international cooperation. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy advocacy. UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) is responsible for managing UNEP's corporate interests, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing management tools and capacity building to support the organization's mission. The division oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management in alignment with accountability requirements and UN core values.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within UNEP's Corporate Services Division, specifically in the Legal Unit. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer and will be tasked with providing comprehensive legal advice on corporate and institutional matters related to UNEP. This role involves drafting and negotiating various legal instruments, including memoranda of understanding, agreements, and contracts, while ensuring compliance with the UN's legal and regulatory framework. The Legal Officer will also represent UNEP in personnel matters before the UN Internal Justice System, advising on human resources and administrative law issues. Additionally, the position requires advising on matters related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Harassment, and investigations conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The incumbent will be expected to conduct legal research, prepare legal correspondence, and provide guidance to junior staff, thereby playing a pivotal role in supporting UNEP's legal and operational functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on UNEP corporate and institutional matters, including legal instruments and the application of UN’s legal and regulatory framework.
• Draft and negotiate legal instruments (MoUs, agreements, contracts) with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.
• Advise on legal issues arising from the vetting of UNEP partners and prepare relevant legal instruments.
• Support the UNEP Partnership Committee by interpreting and implementing the UNEP Partnership Policy and Procedures.
• Review and draft procurement contracts and advise on legal issues related to UNEP procurement.
• Provide legal advice on intellectual property issues arising from UNEP activities.
• Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing relevant legal advice and correspondence.
• Represent UNEP in personnel matters before the UN Management Advice and Evaluation Section and the UN Dispute Tribunal.
• Negotiate and draft settlement agreements for UNEP personnel matters. 1
• Advise on legal issues related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and OIOS investigations. 1
• Raise organizational awareness on PSEA matters through communications and training. 1
• Monitor and report on the implementation of the UNEP PSEA Action Plan. 1
• Conduct preliminary assessments of cases referred by OIOS and prepare legal advice for the UNEP director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director. 1
• Draft responses to reports from UN oversight bodies and coordinate UNEP compliance with recommendations. 1
• Analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making and reporting. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures relevant to the review and processing of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic databases, is essential. Candidates should be familiar with civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles, and demonstrate the ability to interpret legislative instruments and present findings clearly. Strong drafting skills and the ability to work under pressure are crucial, along with good legal judgment in the context of assignments. Candidates should also be able to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and effectively communicate information to management. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is expected.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law or a related field 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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong analytical background.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional legal experience is required. Candidates should have experience providing legal advice on matters related to the legal framework of the United Nations or similar international organizations, particularly in relation to the private sector. Experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of legal instruments, including agreements and contracts with various stakeholders, is also desirable. Familiarity with the legal and policy aspects of human resource management and experience in providing legal support for investigations conducted by OIOS are advantageous. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable, highlighting the importance of analytical skills in this role.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level III, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, although not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project role with an initial appointment period of one year, which may be subject to extension based on organizational needs. The position is classified as fixed-term appointment limited, meaning that it is subject to specific administrative instructions regarding employment terms. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated fairly and without discrimination. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.