Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) is part of the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) within the United Nations. It is responsible for providing legal assistance to staff members in an independent and impartial manner. The OSLA is accountable to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and is tasked with managing the legal assistance program for staff members involved in the internal justice system, including administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal. The organization operates in multiple locations, including Nairobi, Kenya, and New York, USA, and aims to uphold the principles of justice and fairness within the UN system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is a critical role within the Office of Staff Legal Assistance, where the incumbent will serve as a lead officer in various areas of legal concentration. The role involves independently handling a wide range of complex legal matters that encompass international, public, private, and administrative law. The Legal Officer will provide legal advice on substantive and procedural questions, particularly those related to administrative decisions and disciplinary matters. This position requires extensive legal research and analysis, as well as the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, reports, and correspondence. The Legal Officer will also be responsible for preparing legal submissions and representing clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal. The role demands strong analytical skills, the ability to negotiate and settle claims, and the capacity to mentor junior legal officers. The Legal Officer will contribute to the development of new legal instruments and internal policies, ensuring that the legal needs of staff members are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: serving as a lead officer in specific legal areas, providing legal advice on complex legal issues, conducting extensive legal research, preparing legal opinions and documents, representing clients in legal proceedings, advising on negotiations and settlements, drafting legal agreements and motions, mentoring junior officers, and contributing to the design of new legal instruments and policies. The officer will also analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making, act as Officer in Charge when necessary, and perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of OSLA. The role requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice within the UN framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in international law, with a deep understanding of legal procedures and instruments. The ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in legal writing and expression, with the capability to prepare comprehensive legal documents. Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others are critical, as is the capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of international legal frameworks.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Candidates must have at least three years of litigation experience at either the national or international level, with firsthand experience in leading evidence before a court or tribunal. Experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for the legal challenges faced by staff members.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, French, or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in these languages as well. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Office of Administration of Justice, and the selected candidate will receive a fixed-term appointment that is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to a one-year probationary period. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.