Legal Officer

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Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: Brasília
Country: Brazil
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is a specialized international health agency established in 1902, serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). PAHO's mission is to improve health and living standards in the Americas, with a focus on health equity and universal health coverage. The organization operates in 35 countries and territories across the Americas, employing over 1,000 staff members. PAHO is committed to promoting health, preventing disease, and responding to health emergencies, while also addressing the social determinants of health and fostering partnerships for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position at PAHO involves providing comprehensive legal advice and counsel to various entities within the organization, including Governing Bodies, Executive Management, and Country Offices. The incumbent will be responsible for interpreting national and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law as it pertains to PAHO's programs and activities, drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts and agreements, and representing the organization in legal proceedings. The role requires a deep understanding of legal principles and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks to ensure compliance with organizational regulations and policies. The Legal Officer will also engage in research and analysis of legal precedents, assist in the development of new policies and procedures, and provide legal support to administrative units within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Officer include: 1) Reviewing and drafting agreements to ensure compliance with PAHO's regulations and internal processes; 2) Preparing legal memoranda and documents, including contracts; 3) Analyzing legal aspects of project proposals and providing feedback; 4) Offering legal support to administrative units and other organizational entities; 5) Conducting research on legal precedents relevant to PAHO's functions; 6) Drafting legal opinions on various legal instruments; 7) Assisting in the development of new rules and model agreements; 8) Preparing briefs for judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings; 9) Coordinating legal services for internal committees; 10) Developing procedures for processing agreements and contracts; 11) Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in law from a recognized institution and admission to practice law in Brazil. Candidates should have a strong ethical approach and commitment to PAHO's mission. Essential qualifications include seven years of legal experience with a focus on public international law, contracts, and administrative law. Desirable qualifications include international legal experience in the aforementioned areas. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, and negotiating skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law from an accredited institution. Admission to practice law in Brazil (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil – OAB) is essential. An advanced degree (master’s or higher) in law, particularly with a focus on comparative or international law, is desirable. All degrees must be validated through recognized databases to ensure their legitimacy.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of legal experience, particularly in public international law, contracts, administrative law, and technical cooperation agreements. International legal experience is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with global legal frameworks and practices.

Languages:
A very good knowledge of Portuguese is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English and Spanish. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as local recruitment, and candidates must hold a permanent local working visa (citizenship or permanent resident card) for Brazil. The annual salary for this position is BRA R/358,538.00 (net of taxes). PAHO offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 30 days of annual leave, dependency benefits, a pension plan, and health insurance. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. Candidates will undergo background checks, and only those under serious consideration will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test and/or interview.