UN Legal Officer (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) of the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization employs thousands of staff members across various countries, working in diverse fields including law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The UN operates in over 190 countries, with a focus on addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The UN Legal Officer will serve as an expert in public international law, handling complex legal matters that involve the interpretation and application of the UN Charter and related legal frameworks. The incumbent will provide legal advice on substantive and procedural questions, conduct extensive legal research, and prepare legal opinions and documents. The role requires the ability to negotiate complex agreements and represent the UN at various meetings and conferences. Additionally, the Legal Officer will coordinate teams of junior legal officers and contribute to the development of new legal instruments and policies. This position demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serve as an expert in one or more areas of concentration, independently handling a wide range of complex legal matters.
• Provide legal advice on diverse and complex substantive and procedural questions of public international law.
• Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence.
• Review, advise on, draft, and negotiate complex agreements and legal documents.
• Develop new legal modalities to meet unique needs or circumstances.
• Serve on various boards, committees, and working groups, promoting the work of the UN and representing the organization at meetings and conferences.
• Coordinate and direct teams of junior legal officers, mentoring and supervising their work on specific projects.
• Contribute to the review and design of new legal instruments, policies, and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Legal Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public international law, particularly regarding the UN Charter and the institutional and procedural law of the Organization. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in legal writing, and the ability to prepare various legal documents are essential. Candidates must also exhibit discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal matters, as well as strong negotiating skills to influence agreements. The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public international law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience in public international law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in public international law is required. This includes legal analysis, research, and writing, with at least two years of service in a legal office of a government department or an international organization. Experience in preparing and negotiating international agreements, as well as knowledge of international law governing privileges and immunities of international organizations, is desirable. Additionally, at least two years of professional experience working with the UN or a related intergovernmental organization is preferred.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the UN Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The UN is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and those with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered.