Legal Officer

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

Field of Expertise Requirements The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• Experience in the practice of law, e.g. judges, prosecutors, lawyers, etc.
• Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and criminal law and procedure
• Knowledge of international legal procedure standards and instruments
• Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills

Level of Professional Competence Requirements Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following: Education:

• First-level university degree in law, preferably with a specialization in public international law or other relevant field

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience

Mission Specific Requirements Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements: Mandatory:

• Experience practicing as lawyer in an international organization, law firm, company or Government, ideally with exposure to a variety of areas including administrative law and commercial law;
• Demonstrated ability to grasp the important aspects of complex issues and make expeditious and firm decisions based on sound judgement;
• Strong ability to deliver written and oral information clearly;
• Professional fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different genders, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and e-mail.

Desirable:

• Experience with the OSCE, UN common system and/or other international organizations;
• Knowledge of the regional historical, cultural and political situation;
• Experience in working in Eastern Europe and/or knowledge of the region.

Tasks and Responsibilities The Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), in line with the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, is committed to further improving gender balance among staff in all areas and levels within the SMM. We encourage qualified applicants, especially women to apply for this position. If applicable, deployment is subject to attendance to and successful completion of pre-deployment training and assessment. Applicants are hereby notified that the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) is designated by the OSCE as a nonfamily duty station. This designation is based on the fluid and dynamic working environment in the SMM. The currently prevailing working conditions in the duty station may include working in a hazardous location with extended hours of service, and possibly curtailed freedom of movement. Successful candidates who are appointed to locations deemed by the OSCE as hazardous will receive hazard pay. In addition, all successful candidates will be required to participate in the OSCE accident and life insurance scheme in accordance with the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. This is a unique opportunity for a Legal Officer to join the SMM Legal Office team of approximately six staff in Kyiv. Should you be selected for this role, you would gain insight into the legal workings of an international organization as a part of the OSCE’s largest field Mission and be exposed to a dynamic and multicultural working environment. Should you be selected for this role, you will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Adviser who heads the SMM Legal Office which is part of the Office of the Head of Mission, and co-operate regularly with the OSCE Secretariat Office of Legal Affairs. In particular, you will carry out the following duties as a Legal Officer:

1. Providing legal advice on the elaboration, review, interpretation, and application of the regulatory framework of the Mission, including the OSCE Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions, Financial Regulations, and other administrative issuances;
2. Reviewing and providing legal advice on the interpretation of legal instruments, such as the SMM Mandate, agreements, memoranda of understanding,  or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Mission;
3. Providing legal advice in relation to the SMM's contracts such as for the lease of premises and for the acquisition of goods and services as well on in relation to vehicle insurance, customs, and OSCE property loss or damage;
4. Drafting legal documents for appeals, disciplinary matters or other matters related to the OSCE Staff Regulations and Staff Rules as well as other administrative issuances;
5. Providing advice on matters related to SMM Committees and Boards and representing the SMM Legal Office in Working Groups, Task Forces, and other internal committees as may be requested;
6. Drafting documents including Note Verbales, Talking Points and opinions for the Chief Monitor, and advice to SMM units;
7. Drafting, revising and/or advising on Mission-specific policies and rules related to all areas of the Mission’s work;
8. Providing legal advice on dispute resolution, including by examining claims by or against the SMM and its officials;
9. Performing extensive legal research and analysis on legislation, legal instruments and any other legal materials relevant to the work of the Mission;
10. Performing other duties as requested.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, please see https://www.osce.org/special-monitoring-mission-to-ukraine The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds. Please note that nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are not eligible to apply. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/ourcompetency-model. Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Please apply to your relevant authorities well in advance of the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered. The OSCE can only process Secondment applications that have been nominated by participating States. For queries relating to your application, please refer to the respective delegation as listed here: https://www.osce.org/contacts/delegations.