UN Legal Officer (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring equal participation of all genders and backgrounds in its operations.

Job Overview:
The UN Legal Officer position is situated within the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The role involves providing legal advice and support to the principal and subsidiary organs of the UN on a variety of legal issues, including contracts, procurement, administrative law, and international public or private law. The Legal Officer is expected to conduct extensive legal research, draft legal documents, and prepare legal opinions on complex matters. This position requires a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. The Legal Officer will also be responsible for representing the UN in various legal proceedings and liaising with other offices to prepare appeals and legal documents. The role is crucial in ensuring that the UN operates within the legal frameworks established by its member states and international law.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will handle a range of legal issues, including researching and drafting legal advice, memoranda, and communications. Responsibilities include conducting legal research and analysis, preparing studies and reports, reviewing legal documents, and drafting legal opinions on international law issues. The officer will also prepare drafts of background papers and assist in the negotiation of contracts and agreements. Additionally, the Legal Officer will represent the UN in administrative proceedings and assist in appeals of UNDT judgments. The role involves providing guidance to junior staff and participating in various committees and working groups as required. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law. A first-level university degree in law combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Admission to the practice of law in a Member State of the UN is required. The position demands a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics and integrity, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is mandatory for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree in law may be considered if they have relevant experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. The educational background should include comprehensive knowledge of international law, administrative law, and the legal frameworks governing the operations of the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law is required. This experience should be obtained in a legal office of an international intergovernmental organization, a law firm, or a government entity. Candidates should have a strong background in legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience in litigation, particularly in administrative law, is desirable, as is experience working within an international intergovernmental organization.

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 UN, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory for this role. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills in both languages, particularly in legal contexts.

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 position is subject to the funding source and may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The UN is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide accurate information in their applications.