Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) is part of the United Nations' Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ). OSLA is dedicated to providing legal assistance to staff members in an independent and impartial manner. The organization is led by the Chief (Senior Legal Officer) who reports to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director of OAJ. OSLA plays a crucial role in the internal justice system of the UN, particularly in administrative, disciplinary, and appellate proceedings. The organization aims to ensure that staff members have access to legal support and representation in disputes that arise within the UN framework.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer (Chief) is responsible for overseeing the Office of Staff Legal Assistance, ensuring the effective and efficient discharge of its mandate. This position involves coordinating and supervising the work of legal officers and other staff, providing strategic legal and policy advice, and managing resources effectively. The Senior Legal Officer will advise clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary measures, represent clients in formal internal justice proceedings, and prepare submissions to the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal. The role requires a strong understanding of administrative and employment law, as well as the ability to navigate complex legal issues and workplace disputes. The Senior Legal Officer will also be involved in outreach and training activities, developing standard procedures, and maintaining the unit's databases and registers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring the effective discharge of OSLA's mandate.
• Coordinating and supervising the work of legal officers and other staff.
• Providing strategic legal and policy advice to maximize resource utilization.
• Advising clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary measures.
• Providing legal advice on complex substantive and procedural questions.
• Representing clients in the internal justice system, including before the UN Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal.
• Preparing written and oral submissions in accordance with procedural requirements.
• Managing human, financial, and other resources allocated to the unit.
• Developing and maintaining standard procedures and monitoring mechanisms. 1
• Preparing reports on the unit's work for the General Assembly and other bodies. 1
• Analyzing emerging issues and making recommendations. 1
• Coordinating outreach and training activities. 1
• Managing a network of volunteer/pro bono counsel and legal interns. 1
• Advising the Executive Director on administrative and logistical matters related to the unit's operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in administrative and employment law, with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. A minimum of five years' experience as a litigator in administrative law, labor, or employment law is required, along with at least three years of experience in managing teams or offices. Experience in providing legal advice in civil procedure, administrative law, or employment law is essential, and experience in criminal law litigation is desirable. Familiarity with the UN common system or similar international organizations is also preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in law, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates should have at least five years of experience as a litigator appearing before courts and tribunals in administrative law, labor, or employment law. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in managing teams or offices, including the management of lawyers, is required. Experience in providing legal advice in civil procedure, administrative law, or employment law is essential, and one year of experience in criminal law litigation is desirable. Experience within the UN common system or other similar international organizations is also preferred.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, and budgetary approval. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply. The UN is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.