Young Professional Officer (Legal)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization employs thousands of professionals across various fields, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment.

Job Overview:
The Young Professional Officer (Legal) position is situated within the Legal Office (LEG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role is designed for individuals who are looking to start their careers in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in the context of public international law, law of international organizations, and contract law. The officer will report to a designated (Senior) Legal Officer and will be guided by the Legal Counsel. The primary focus of this position is to provide legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues affecting the organization, including constitutional questions, international treaties, and internal legal rules. The officer will engage in research and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis to support various projects and initiatives within the organization, contributing to the overall mission of FAO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Young Professional Officer (Legal) will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include analyzing legal perspectives on technical, social, economic, environmental, and technological information relevant to FAO's operations. The officer will maintain records, update databases, and manage web pages to ensure that information is current and accessible. Additionally, the officer will provide technical support for various projects, assist in developing training tools and materials, and help organize workshops and seminars. Specific functions include preparing legal advice on matters related to FAO's operations, addressing questions of privileges and immunities, and advising on complex contractual arrangements. The officer will also provide legal support for human resources matters, assist in documentation for FAO's Governing and Statutory Bodies, and ensure alignment with the organization's policies, including those related to gender equality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, with a focus on public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law, and contract law. A minimum of one year of relevant experience in these areas is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English (level C) and have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships are essential. Candidates should also exhibit knowledge sharing and continuous improvement skills, along with technical and functional skills relevant to the legal field.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in law, specifically in areas pertinent to international law and organizational legal frameworks. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of legal issues that arise within the context of an international organization like FAO.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least one year of relevant experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law, and contract law. Experience in providing legal advice in an international setting is preferred, as is work experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions. Candidates should also have a demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and analysis, as well as experience in drafting and reviewing legal texts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Additional proficiency in another FAO language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the organization.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application. This position is part of the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), which aims to recruit talented professionals from non- and under-represented countries. Priority will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and other developing nations. The position is full-time and offers an opportunity to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO.