Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Appeals Section of the Administrative Law Division at the United Nations, which is responsible for implementing UN standards of conduct across the Secretariat. The organization aims to provide strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represents the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The Appeals Section oversees disciplinary matters and coordinates efforts to prevent and respond to unsatisfactory conduct, empowering UN managers to address conduct and discipline issues effectively.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will be tasked with handling appeals and various issues related to international, public, national, and administrative law. This includes conducting legal research, preparing legal opinions, and drafting background papers and reports. The role requires extensive review of legal documents, assessing evidence for relevance, and providing legal advice on human resources matters. The Legal Officer will also represent the organization in administrative proceedings and assist in servicing diplomatic conferences and committees. The position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: handling appeals matters related to various legal domains; conducting legal research and analysis; preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, and reports; reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues; drafting background papers and legislative texts; preparing legal submissions and assessing evidence; assisting senior colleagues in diplomatic conferences and committees; representing the organization in tribunals; providing legal advice on human resources matters; guiding junior staff; and performing other assigned duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures. They should be proficient in legal research and analysis, with knowledge of civil and common law systems. The ability to draft legal documents clearly and concisely is essential, along with good legal judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required. 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.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible legal experience is required, including two years of litigation experience at the national or international level. Candidates should have first-hand experience in leading evidence before courts or tribunals and experience in administrative and employment law at the international level. Familiarity with UN staff regulations and procedures is desirable.

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.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded by the Regular Budget and is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, with a possibility of extension subject to budgetary approval. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to specific eligibility criteria. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment.