Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of Administration of Justice, specifically in the Registry of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York. The UNAT is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members regarding judgments rendered by the United Nations Dispute Tribunal or other first-instance tribunals. The organization aims to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law within the United Nations system, providing a fair and impartial mechanism for resolving disputes.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will be tasked with handling a diverse range of legal issues, including constitutional, international, public, private, administrative, and criminal law as it pertains to tribunals. This role requires extensive legal research and analysis, preparation of case studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. The Legal Officer will also review legal documents, prepare drafts of background papers and legal opinions, and provide legal advice on various matters, including human resources issues. The position demands a high level of professionalism, legal judgment, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle a range of legal issues related to constitutional, international, public, private, administrative, and criminal law.
• Conduct extensive legal research and prepare case studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence.
• Review legal documents and identify important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies.
• Prepare drafts of background papers, studies, reports, and legal opinions.
• Advise on and draft legal motions and submissions.
• Assess evidence for relevance and admissibility.
• Represent the Organization before arbitral and other tribunals, including disciplinary cases.
• Provide legal advice on human resources matters and review administrative issues.
• Prepare and assist with seminars and lectures on legal issues. 1
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international law is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures, as well as the ability to conduct legal research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Strong drafting skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree along with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks governing the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least two years of experience in administrative or employment/labor law is also necessary. Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, or in a tribunal registry or appeals board secretariat, or experience drafting appellate briefs is desirable, indicating a strong background in legal processes and procedures.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level III, which would enhance communication within the multilingual environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is limited to the Office of Administration of Justice, and external candidates selected will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity. Renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. 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 provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.