Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) is responsible for managing UNEP's corporate interests, mitigating risks, and supporting the organization with management tools and capacity building. The organization oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management in line with accountability requirements, rules, regulations, and UN core values. UNEP operates globally, with a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is located within UNEP's Corporate Services Division, specifically in the Legal Unit. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer and will be responsible for providing legal research, advisory, and drafting support on a wide range of institutional, administrative, operational, and corporate legal matters. The role requires a deep understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them effectively in various contexts. The Legal Officer will engage with UNEP divisions, offices, and secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, offering legal advice on the interpretation and application of the UN's legal and regulatory framework. The position demands a proactive approach to legal challenges and the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance with UNEP's policies and procedures while supporting the organization's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on UNEP corporate and institutional matters, including legal research and analysis, preparation of legal opinions, briefs, reports, and other legal documents.
• Draft, review, and assist in the negotiation of legal instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding, cooperation agreements, and procurement contracts.
• Review partnership proposals and provide legal advice concerning UNEP partnerships and due diligence requirements.
• Assist in administrative law matters, handling personnel-related disputes, and representing the organization in personnel matters before the Management Evaluation process and the UN Dispute Tribunal.
• Provide legal research and advice on matters arising from investigations by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), including issues related to fraud, corruption, and misconduct.
• Support the Legal Section's engagement with UN entities on issues of sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and organizational accountability.
• Guide and support junior personnel and interns, collect and analyze data for reporting and decision-making, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures relevant to the review and processing of legal documents. They should have knowledge of various legal research sources and the ability to conduct thorough legal research and analysis. A demonstrated ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure is essential. Candidates should also exhibit good legal judgment and the ability to interpret legislative instruments clearly. Professionalism, accountability, and teamwork are critical competencies for this role, along with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Candidates should have experience providing legal advice on administrative law, human resources, and staff management matters. Experience in representing the organization in personnel matters before the Management Evaluation process and the UN Dispute Tribunal is also required. Additionally, candidates should have experience drafting and negotiating legal instruments and providing legal support on investigations conducted by oversight bodies. Desirable experience includes advising on sexual harassment and exploitation issues, fraud and corruption matters, and partnerships with the private sector.

Languages:
English is required 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 United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is limited to UNEP and is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension. The position is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and external candidates will undergo a probationary period of one year. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process.