Director of Legal Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Legal Affairs serves as the central legal service of the United Nations, providing legal advice to the Secretary-General and various UN organs. It operates in the field of public and private law, representing the Secretary-General in legal conferences and judicial proceedings. The office is involved in substantive functions related to public international law, the law of the sea, and international trade law. The organization aims to uphold the principles of international law and ensure compliance with the UN Charter, contributing to global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and related activities. This includes organizing and supervising support for various UN bodies, leading the division's work as the interim secretariat under the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), and coordinating with international organizations and stakeholders. The Director is responsible for monitoring developments in ocean affairs, preparing legal publications, and managing the division's budget and performance. The role requires strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring high-quality outputs that meet UN standards. The Director will also engage in capacity-building programs and represent the organization at international meetings, providing substantive expertise on ocean law issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's responsibilities include organizing substantive support for the UN General Assembly and other bodies, leading the division's work on marine biodiversity, coordinating with international organizations, monitoring developments in ocean law, managing the division's budget, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs. The Director will oversee the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensure compliance with mandates, manage staff recruitment, and foster teamwork. Additionally, the Director will chair meetings, represent the organization at international events, and perform other duties as assigned by the Under-Secretary-General.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of the UN system and comprehensive knowledge of public international law, particularly the law of the sea. They should demonstrate outstanding analytical and drafting skills, the ability to design and supervise research projects, and experience in preparing legal briefs on complex issues. Candidates must also show proficiency in applying UN rules and regulations, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage and lead teams in a multicultural environment.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public international law, with at least 5 years in supervisory roles. They must have experience in ocean affairs at the international level and in senior leadership positions, preferably in a multicultural environment. Experience in providing secretariat services to intergovernmental bodies and using data technologies for strategic decision-making is desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is for an initial period of one year, with a strong encouragement for female candidates to apply. The UN is committed to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from under-represented member states are particularly encouraged to apply. Staff members must submit a financial disclosure statement and are subject to geographical or lateral move requirements. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.