Legal Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to help the United Nations and its partners manage projects effectively and efficiently. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs thousands of personnel worldwide, focusing on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. The organization aims to provide infrastructure, procurement, and project management services to support peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian response, and sustainable development initiatives globally. UNOPS is committed to delivering high-quality services while adhering to the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

Job Overview:
The Legal Specialist position at UNOPS is a mid-level role that requires a seasoned legal professional to provide authoritative commercial legal advice. The specialist will work independently within established legal frameworks, managing a portfolio of commercial legal work and ensuring strong client relationships. This role is crucial for protecting UNOPS from legal, financial, and reputational risks while adapting legal policies to meet emerging client needs. The Legal Specialist will engage with various legal topics in an international development and humanitarian context, contributing to the organization's mission and fostering professional growth. The position offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to influence legal practices within UNOPS, making it a vital role for those looking to make an impact in the legal field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Legal Advice and Representation: Provide legal advice to Project Offices on commercial matters, including the review and negotiation of legal agreements, and the interpretation and development of the UNOPS legal framework. Support Project Offices in partnership agreements, procurement contracts, and hosted initiatives. Represent UNOPS in negotiations with external parties and coordinate interactions with local legal retainers and external legal counsel.
• Policy Development and Implementation Support: Recommend changes to policies and processes based on feedback from country offices. Ensure project implementation aligns with policies and business needs. Collaborate with other UNOPS units to address critical issues and contribute to strategies that improve efficiency and strengthen internal controls.
• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Document and update legal precedents and templates. Conduct research and provide structured knowledge to ensure coherent legal advice across practice areas. Stay informed about best practices and deliver training on commercial matters to internal colleagues.
• Regional Focal Point Role: Act as the identified Focal Point for a specific region, managing regional legal matters and fostering collaboration with regional actors. Ensure consistency in legal advice and support across the region, liaising with other focal points on high-risk issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (J.D. or Master of Laws or equivalent) or a first-level university degree in law (Bachelor of Laws or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience. Proficiency in legal drafting and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of corporate law, legal advice, and risk management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law, such as a J.D. or Master of Laws, or a first-level university degree in law with additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding complex legal frameworks and providing effective legal advice in a commercial context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience as a lawyer specializing in commercial law, international law, or public international law. Experience in commercial dispute resolution, legal analysis, and drafting is also required. The ability to communicate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences is essential, and experience in a law firm or international organization is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in French and Spanish is desirable. Strong communication skills in these languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute effectively to the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level with an ICS Level of 10 and is offered under an ICA - IICA - Regular contract type. The contract is ongoing, and applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates to ensure compliance with organizational standards.