Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch of the Division on International Trade and Commodities of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD was established in 1964 and is dedicated to promoting the integration of developing countries into the world economy. The organization focuses on trade, investment, and sustainable development, and operates in over 190 countries, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. UNCTAD's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth and development through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in conducting extensive legal research and analysis related to competition and consumer protection laws, particularly in the context of international trade and development. This position requires the preparation of various legal documents, including studies, reports, and legislative texts, aimed at informing government officials, enterprises, and consumer organizations. The Legal Officer will also be involved in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes, providing legal guidance on international trade law, and supporting intergovernmental meetings on competition and consumer protection policies. The role demands a high level of professionalism, legal expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: conducting legal research and analysis on competition and consumer protection laws; preparing drafts of background papers, studies, and reports; reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues; assisting in the preparation of agreements and contracts; servicing intergovernmental meetings and preparing meeting reports; developing technical assistance programs and organizing seminars and workshops; providing guidance to junior staff; and performing various administrative tasks necessary for the delivery of the Branch’s services. The position also involves attending international and regional meetings to gather information and engage with colleagues from other institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles and procedures, particularly in the areas of competition and consumer protection laws. The ability to manage technical cooperation programs and conduct legal research is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent drafting skills, the ability to work under pressure, and good legal judgment. Additionally, candidates should be committed to incorporating gender perspectives in their work and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas.

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

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Experience specifically in competition and/or consumer protection laws and policies is desirable. Candidates with experience in international competition and consumer protection research, policy formulation, and technical cooperation will be preferred. Experience in intergovernmental support and project management in the field of international competition and consumer protection is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is project funded and temporarily available for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability and performance. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station. Candidates must adhere to the United Nations' standards of integrity and efficiency, and the organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff members to move periodically to different duty stations.