UN Associate Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Disciplinary Section of the Disciplinary Accountability Service, Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The ALD is responsible for implementing the UN standards of conduct for all personnel across the UN Secretariat. It provides strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represents the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The division oversees disciplinary matters related to Secretariat staff members and works to empower UN managers in addressing conduct and discipline issues. The organization is committed to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and emphasizes gender balance and geographical diversity in its staffing.

Job Overview:
The Associate Legal Officer will play a crucial role in providing legal support for handling disciplinary cases referred to the Office of Human Resources (OHR). This position involves advising on human resources and administrative matters within the context of formal proceedings before the UN's internal justice system, particularly concerning appeals of disciplinary matters filed with the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The incumbent will be expected to review and prepare recommendations related to disciplinary matters, assist in the preparation of submissions to the Tribunal, and represent the Secretary-General in oral proceedings. The role also includes responding to inquiries, drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and maintaining relevant databases. The Associate Legal Officer will work under the supervision of a Legal Officer and the Chief of Section, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Disciplinary Section.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Legal Officer include: reviewing and preparing recommendations for processing disciplinary matters; assisting in the preparation of submissions to the United Nations Dispute Tribunal; ensuring compliance with procedural requirements; identifying cases suitable for informal resolution; representing the Secretary-General in oral proceedings; responding to inquiries and correspondence; drafting, reviewing, and advising on legal documents; conducting legal research and analysis; producing accurate documentation required under the disciplinary process; maintaining relevant databases and registers; and performing other duties as assigned. This role requires a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law or a related area. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by relevant work experience. Candidates who have successfully passed specific UN examinations may also qualify with a first-level degree and no experience.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of legal experience is required, including litigation at the national or international level. Candidates who have passed the YPP, NCRE, or G to P examinations may apply without prior experience. Desirable experience includes litigating administrative law matters and conducting workplace-related investigations or handling disciplinary matters within an international organization.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in both languages is advantageous for candidates.

Additional Notes:
The position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, and the extension of appointment is subject to budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants who have worked as individual contractors or consultants within the UN Secretariat in the last six months are ineligible for this position. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including age and prior service requirements. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates with a history of violations of international law or misconduct will not be considered. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.