Legal Officer P3 - Public Law Team

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and extreme weather shocks. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and is recognized for its inclusive work environment, which is reflected in its values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities, making it an attractive workplace for individuals seeking to make a difference in the world.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position at the P3 level within the Public Law Team of the Contractual and Constitutional Law Branch (LEGC) at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy, is a critical role that involves providing legal support to ensure compliance with the relevant legal framework governing WFP's activities. The incumbent will engage in extensive legal research and analysis, addressing complex legal matters that arise in the context of WFP's operations. This position requires the ability to draft and review legal documents, provide legal advice on governance matters, and support WFP's engagement with various stakeholders, including governments and intergovernmental organizations. The role is designed for individuals who are skilled in legal analysis and possess a strong understanding of public international law, as well as the ability to navigate the intricacies of legal frameworks that govern humanitarian assistance. The Legal Officer will work collaboratively within the Legal Office and contribute to the development of legal strategies that align with WFP's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The P3 Legal Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: conducting extensive legal research and analysis on complex legal issues; reviewing and drafting legal documents such as agreements and contracts; preparing legal advice on the interpretation and application of WFP's General Regulations and other normative instruments; providing legal interpretations to various WFP offices; preparing legal opinions and reports; assisting in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes; identifying potential legal liabilities and managing legal risks; contributing to the servicing of internal and external committees; building productive partnerships within the Legal Office and with other UN legal offices; representing WFP at meetings and conferences; and contributing to the development and delivery of legal training for other units. The role may also involve supervising junior colleagues and requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law or a first university degree in law with additional relevant experience and training. They must be qualified to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society, or have equivalent professional legal practice experience. The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in providing a broad range of legal services, with a minimum of three years in an international context. Knowledge of public international law is desirable, and experience in governance matters, privileges and immunities, and engagement with governments and NGOs will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree in law who have additional relevant experience and training may also be considered. It is essential that candidates are qualified to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society, or possess equivalent professional legal practice experience, which underscores the importance of formal legal education and training in this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in providing legal services. This experience should include at least three years in an international context, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of legal issues that arise in a global humanitarian organization like WFP. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of delivering legal analysis and advice in various legal matters, particularly those related to public international law and governance.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in a second language is advantageous and reflects the multicultural environment of WFP, where communication across diverse languages is essential for effective collaboration.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional position (non-rotational) and is open to candidates of all nationalities. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. Mobility is a core contractual requirement in WFP, although this position is classified as non-rotational, meaning the incumbent will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, which includes a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.