Legal Affairs Specialist

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Position Title: Legal Affairs Specialist
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that helps staff thrive, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will join UNICEF's Legal Team under a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension. The role involves providing legal guidance on private sector fundraising matters, partnerships, data protection, digital products, and procurement. The Specialist will ensure adherence to organizational policies and protect UNICEF from legal exposure. The position requires collaboration with various business units globally, focusing on commercial contracts, donor agreements, and institutional matters. The Specialist will also support senior members of the Office in advising on legal dimensions of partnerships, negotiating contracts, and resolving disputes, while maintaining a proactive and resourceful approach to legal challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on private sector fundraising and partnerships, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
• Draft agreements and term sheets, identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Advise on commercial contract negotiations for goods and services, particularly in digital fundraising.
• Research and advise on negotiations with host governments regarding UNICEF's presence.
• Assist in dispute resolution, particularly those involving potential liability for the organization.
• Interpret decisions, regulations, and policies, including data protection and privacy.
• Support team management and knowledge sharing initiatives.
• Coordinate projects throughout their lifecycle, including design, planning, and evaluation.
• Take ownership of legal matters, proactively identifying issues and proposing solutions. 1
• Communicate regularly with clients, managing expectations and escalating issues as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a post-graduate university law degree (LL.B, LL.M, J.D.) in a relevant field of law is required.
• A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, focusing on transaction management and commercial negotiation is required.
• Experience in a law firm, private practice, or as in-house counsel is highly desirable.
• Experience in international organizations, such as the UN or development banks, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a post-graduate university law degree in a relevant field, such as international or commercial law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying work experience may be accepted. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, particularly in international or commercial law. Candidates should have experience in transaction management and commercial negotiations, with a preference for those who have worked in law firms, private practice, or as in-house counsel. Experience within international organizations is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is highly desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian) or a local language is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of extension. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must adhere to UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the organization's aims, including discrimination and abuse. Background checks will be conducted for selected candidates, and medical clearance is required for appointments.