Legal Officer P4

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. WFP is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission of ending hunger.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer P4 position is situated within the Legal Office at WFP's Global Headquarters in Rome. This role requires a high level of operational independence, where the incumbent will provide legal advice and handle complex legal issues that affect the organization. The position demands specialized legal expertise and the ability to navigate sensitive legal matters. The Legal Officer will serve as a lead officer in one or more specialized legal areas, ensuring comprehensive legal services are provided to protect the interests of WFP and minimize liabilities. The role involves developing policies, guidelines, and procedures, as well as participating in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes. The Legal Officer will also engage in extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions and reports to support the organization's legal framework. This position is crucial for maintaining WFP's legal integrity and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer P4 will be responsible for a variety of key accountabilities, including but not limited to: serving as a lead officer in specialized legal areas, independently managing complex legal matters, and providing comprehensive legal services. The incumbent will participate in negotiations and settlements of claims involving WFP and its personnel, representing the organization in administrative or tribunal proceedings. The role requires the development of internal policies and guidelines to establish a regulatory framework for the organization. The Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research, prepare legal opinions, and represent WFP at meetings and conferences. Additionally, the incumbent will build partnerships with other UN Legal Offices to ensure consistency in legal information and services, supervise and mentor junior staff, and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Law or a first university degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training in private, administrative, or employment law. It is essential that the candidate is qualified to practice or has been admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society. The role requires a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures, as well as the ability to interpret and apply complex legislative instruments. Candidates should demonstrate strong initiative, decision-making capabilities, and strategic thinking skills, along with solid communication and negotiation abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Law. Alternatively, a first university degree in Law may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant experience and training in the fields of private, administrative, or employment law. Candidates must also be qualified to practice law, having been admitted to a recognized national or state bar or law society, which is a critical requirement for this role.

Experience:
The position requires typically eight years or more of progressively responsible experience in law, with at least three years of international experience. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing a wide range of legal services, particularly to senior managers or important clients. Prior litigation experience in administrative or employment law is essential, as the role involves handling complex legal matters and representing the organization in various legal proceedings.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should possess intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, as these are considered working languages within WFP.

Additional Notes:
This is an International Professional position open to all nationalities, with mobility being a core contractual requirement. However, this specific position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning the incumbent will not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.