Senior Legal Officer (Head, Development Law Service)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer (Head, Development Law Service) plays a crucial role in managing the Development Law Service within the Legal Office at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position involves providing authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues related to public international law, natural resources, development law, and environmental law. The officer will be responsible for setting goals and objectives aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework and the priorities of its Members. The role requires monitoring efficiency and outcomes, providing guidance and supervision, and ensuring high-quality outputs based on sound legal analysis. The Senior Legal Officer will also coordinate knowledge exchange on development law issues and foster innovation to address emerging challenges in food, agriculture, and nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Legal Officer include managing the Development Law Service, setting strategic goals, monitoring work efficiency, and ensuring quality control of outputs. The officer will manage financial resources, lead resource mobilization efforts, and provide leadership to personnel in implementing the work programme. Responsibilities also include preparing policy papers and reports, providing high-level legal advice to FAO managers and Members, representing the organization in multilateral forums, and fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries. The officer will also oversee the development of legislative solutions to assist Members in addressing challenges in food and agriculture.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law and have at least ten years of relevant legal experience, particularly in natural resources and development law within an international context. A strong understanding of both civil and common-law systems is essential, along with experience in managing legal services and guiding multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to innovate and utilize new technologies in the legal domain.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. This educational background should provide a strong foundation in legal principles, particularly in public international law, natural resources law, and environmental law, which are critical for the functions of the Senior Legal Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of legal experience relevant to the functions outlined, with a specialization in natural resources and development law in an international setting. Experience in legal units of international organizations or governmental institutions is highly valued, as is experience in field positions that provide a broader perspective on legal issues in various contexts.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and enhances communication within the international context of FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing legal services and providing high-level legal advice. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of various backgrounds. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with the level of responsibility and experience of the selected candidate.