Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: New York
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various global issues. The organization emphasizes the importance of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the role of legal counsel in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for handling a range of issues related to public international law, which includes interpreting and applying legislative instruments that govern United Nations activities. The role requires conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. The Legal Officer will also review legal documents, identify key issues, and assist in drafting background papers and legal opinions on various international law matters. This position demands a strong understanding of the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, and treaty law, as well as the ability to negotiate agreements with governments. The Legal Officer will provide guidance to junior staff and perform other duties as assigned, making this a multifaceted role that requires both legal expertise and collaborative skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer's duties include handling issues related to public international law, conducting legal research and analysis, preparing legal documents and opinions, reviewing legal instruments, and identifying important legal issues. The officer will assist in the preparation and negotiation of agreements with governments, provide guidance to junior staff, and ensure compliance with legal standards. Additionally, the Legal Officer will be expected to draft legal papers, work under pressure, and apply good legal judgment in various assignments. The role also involves collaborating with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and ensuring gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public international law, including the law and practice of the United Nations and the law of privileges and immunities. They should be familiar with the institutions of the United Nations system and have the ability to apply legal principles and terminology effectively. The role requires excellent drafting skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to professional integrity and efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public international law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in legal principles and practices relevant to international law.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Candidates should have at least two years of professional service with the legal office of a government department or ministry or with the secretariat of an international organization. Experience in international law, particularly regarding privileges and immunities, the preparation and negotiation of international agreements, and advising on international criminal accountability mechanisms is desirable. Additionally, experience working with the UN or a related intergovernmental organization is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from female candidates and individuals from various backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity in its recruitment process. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations, and candidates should be prepared for this mobility requirement. The UN Secretariat operates under a non-smoking policy, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully.