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 position is located within the Critical Incident Response Section (CIRS) of the Disciplinary Accountability Service (DAS), which is part of the Administrative Law Division (ALD) in the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with numerous offices and personnel across various countries, working towards the implementation of international standards and the protection of human rights. The ALD specifically focuses on providing strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and ensuring adherence to the UN's standards of conduct for all personnel. The division plays a crucial role in handling disciplinary matters and supporting UN managers in addressing conduct and discipline issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position entails a significant level of responsibility, particularly in handling critical incidents and enforcing the UN's standards of conduct. The incumbent will independently manage a variety of complex legal matters that span international, public, national, and administrative law. This includes providing legal advice on intricate substantive and procedural questions, conducting extensive legal research, and preparing legal documents such as opinions, briefs, and reports. The role also involves representing the organization in legal proceedings, advising on negotiations and settlements, and mentoring junior legal officers. The Legal Officer will be expected to contribute to the development of new legal instruments and policies, ensuring that the UN's legal framework remains robust and effective in addressing contemporary challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Leading the handling of critical incidents and cases related to sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Providing legal advice on complex issues related to administration, management, and peacekeeping operations.
• Conducting legal research and preparing various legal documents, including submissions and motions.
• Participating in diplomatic conferences and preparing background materials and meeting reports.
• Drafting and reviewing complex legal documents and advising on the interpretation of staff regulations.
• Representing the organization in tribunal proceedings and disciplinary cases.
• Coordinating teams of legal officers and mentoring junior staff.
• Contributing to the design and review of legal instruments and policies.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the Chief of Section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in criminal law. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions. Proficiency in legal writing and the ability to prepare comprehensive legal documents are essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong negotiation skills and the capacity to influence outcomes in legal contexts. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal experience is required, with at least two years of experience in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates should have first-hand experience in leading evidence before courts or tribunals. Experience in handling disciplinary matters within national or international entities is desirable, as is familiarity with the policies and operations of the United Nations or similar organizations.

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 UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, and the extension of the appointment will be subject to budgetary approval. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity among its staff. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all application instructions carefully.