Legal Adviser/Director

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to fostering global understanding and cooperation. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions.

Job Overview:
The Legal Adviser/Director position within the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) at UNESCO is a critical role that combines advisory and managerial responsibilities. The incumbent will be tasked with providing comprehensive legal advice on a wide range of complex issues pertaining to both international and national law. This position requires a deep understanding of legal frameworks and the ability to navigate intricate legal challenges that arise from the organization's activities. The role also involves leading a team and managing the office's resources effectively, ensuring that the legal aspects of UNESCO's operations are compliant with established rules and regulations. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal strategies of the organization and will be expected to contribute to the overall policy objectives of UNESCO, thereby enhancing the legal safety of its activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including but not limited to: providing legal advice on all issues arising from UNESCO's activities; advising the Secretariat on regulatory, statutory, and standard-setting matters; offering legal counsel to the General Conference and the Executive Board; guiding the development and revision of international standard-setting instruments; interpreting and amending the Constitution and other statutory texts; preparing and reviewing legal briefs for representation in judicial proceedings; and managing the activities of the Office while ensuring collaboration with other organizational units. The role also requires the incumbent to represent the Director-General in legal committees and to oversee the office's financial and human resources management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, with a specialization in public international law. Additionally, candidates should have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in the legal field, particularly within a national context or a United Nations system organization. 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 in law is mandatory, with a focus on public international law being particularly relevant. Additional degrees or training in related disciplines may be considered advantageous, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on progressively responsible roles within the legal field. Candidates should have substantial experience in senior management or executive positions, showcasing their ability to handle complex legal matters and lead teams effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of UNESCO's working languages (English or French) and the ability to work in the second language. Knowledge of additional official United Nations languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application process requires candidates to submit their applications online by the specified deadline. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for geographical mobility as part of their responsibilities. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this position being US$ 200,151, along with various benefits such as annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The organization emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.