UN Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) is an independent office established to oversee the UN's internal justice system. It is based in New York and is responsible for coordinating the formal components of this system. The Office of Staff Legal Assistance, which is part of OAJ, provides legal assistance to UN staff members. The Chief of this office is accountable to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and manages the legal assistance program, which includes administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings before the UN Dispute Tribunal and the UN Appeals Tribunal. The OAJ operates in multiple countries, including Chile, Kenya, Thailand, and Switzerland, and aims to ensure fair and impartial legal support for UN staff.

Job Overview:
The UN Legal Officer position involves handling a variety of legal issues related to international, public, private, and administrative law. The officer will conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. The role requires reviewing legal documents, identifying key issues, and preparing legal opinions on a wide range of matters, particularly international administrative law. The Legal Officer will also participate in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes, draft legal motions, assess evidence, and represent clients before various UN tribunals. Additionally, the officer will provide legal advice on human resources matters and guide junior staff, while also analyzing data to support decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer is responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: handling issues related to various branches of law, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents and opinions, negotiating claims, drafting legal motions, assessing evidence, and representing clients in legal proceedings. The officer will also provide legal advice on human resources matters, guide junior staff, and analyze data to identify trends that inform decision-making. Other responsibilities include performing additional duties as assigned by the Chief of OSLA, ensuring that all work is conducted with professionalism and adherence to legal standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures. They should be able to apply these principles effectively in reviewing and processing legal documents. Knowledge of civil law and/or common law systems is essential, as is the ability to interpret legislative instruments and present findings clearly. The ability to draft legal papers under pressure and demonstrate good legal judgment is also required. Candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law 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 a solid foundation in the legal principles necessary for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law is required, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates must have at least two years of litigation experience at either the national or international level, with first-hand experience in presenting evidence before a court or tribunal. Experience within the UN common system or similar international organizations is considered desirable, as it provides familiarity with the unique legal environment of the UN.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, candidates should have proficiency in either Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic, or Chinese (Mandarin) at a desirable level, which enhances communication capabilities within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Office of Administration of Justice, and selected candidates will receive a fixed-term appointment. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for each category. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.