Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation Secretariat of the Financing for sustainable-development-office" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustainable development through international cooperation and policy-making. It operates globally, engaging with various countries to address economic and social challenges. The UN aims to foster international collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals, and the FSDO plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions and agreements on tax cooperation among member states.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will serve as a lead officer in one or more areas of concentration, handling a wide range of complex legal matters related to international tax cooperation. This includes providing legal advice on substantive and procedural questions, performing extensive legal research, and preparing legal opinions and reports. The role requires the officer to monitor and analyze public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law aspects of the framework convention and its protocols, ensuring alignment with existing international agreements and the sustainable development agenda. The Legal Officer will also support intergovernmental negotiations, prepare background materials, and provide specialized input during sessions. This position demands a high level of expertise in international law, particularly in tax matters, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: serving as a lead officer in legal matters, providing legal advice on international tax cooperation, conducting legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions and technical reports, servicing intergovernmental committees, advising on negotiations related to the Framework Convention, reviewing and advising on legal texts, mentoring junior officers, and contributing to the design of new legal instruments. The officer will also collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making. Additional responsibilities include representing the organization at meetings and conferences, coordinating teams of legal officers, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international legal instruments related to taxation and the ability to analyze complex legal issues. Proficiency in legal writing and expression is essential, along with strong analytical skills and the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and teamwork, with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work. The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required. 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 tax law is considered an advantage, highlighting the importance of specialized education in this field.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in tax law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Candidates should have experience in international tax policy and administration, particularly regarding the challenges faced by both developing and developed countries. Experience in international tax cooperation and familiarity with multilateral or bilateral tax treaties is desirable, indicating a need for a well-rounded background in international legal frameworks.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory. This bilingual requirement reflects the organization's commitment to effective communication in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is an extra budgetary role, temporarily available for 364 days with the possibility of extension. The selection process will adhere to specific UN regulations regarding temporary job openings. Candidates should be aware that the appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and the position does not guarantee future employment. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.