Legal Officer

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Legal Counsel (OLC) is part of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) within the United Nations. The OLC provides legal advice and services to the UN and its various organs, ensuring that the organization operates within the framework of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The UN was established in 1945 and has grown to include 193 member states, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The OLA plays a crucial role in supporting the UN's mission by addressing legal issues that arise in the context of international relations and governance.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is integral to the functioning of the Office of the Legal Counsel, where the incumbent will engage in a variety of tasks related to public international law. This role involves interpreting and applying legal instruments that govern UN activities, conducting thorough legal research, and preparing comprehensive legal documents such as briefs, reports, and legal opinions. The Legal Officer will also be responsible for reviewing legal documents, identifying key issues, and assisting in the negotiation of agreements with governments. The position requires a strong understanding of international law, particularly as it pertains to the UN's operations, and the ability to provide guidance to junior staff members. The incumbent will work closely with senior legal officers and contribute to the overall legal framework that supports the UN's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Officer include but are not limited to: handling a range of issues related to public international law; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence; reviewing legal documents and identifying important issues; drafting background papers and legislative texts; providing legal opinions on various international law issues; negotiating agreements with governments; and guiding junior staff. The Legal Officer must also demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public international law, including the UN Charter and the law of privileges and immunities. They should have the ability to apply legal principles and concepts effectively, conduct thorough legal research, and draft legal documents clearly and concisely. The position requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and organizational skills.

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:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing. 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, is required. Experience in legal work related to international law governing privileges and immunities, as well as in the preparation and negotiation of international agreements, is desirable. Additionally, experience advising on procedural issues in international intergovernmental bodies is also beneficial. Candidates with at least two years of professional experience working with the UN or a related intergovernmental organization will be given preference.

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 UN's diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and the organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity among its staff. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as part of the UN's mobility policy. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are urged to provide complete and accurate information in their applications. The evaluation of candidates will be based on their qualifications and adherence to the UN's standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.