LEGAL OFFICER

Job Advertisement

Position Title: LEGAL OFFICER
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 11-MAR-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a membership of 193 countries and 11 associate members, UNESCO operates in over 50 countries worldwide, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to fostering collaboration among nations and cultures. The organization is committed to the principles of human rights, equality, and sustainable development, and it strives to build a more peaceful and inclusive world through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) at UNESCO, specifically under the supervision of the Chief of the International Administrative Law Section. The incumbent will be responsible for a range of legal functions primarily focused on international administrative law. This includes drafting submissions for the Appeals Board and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILOAT), representing UNESCO in oral proceedings, and providing legal advice on various instruments related to human resources. The role requires a thorough understanding of the privileges and immunities of the organization and its personnel, as well as the ability to draft reports and correspondence as necessary. The Legal Officer will also be expected to contribute to the overall success of the team by undertaking additional duties as assigned by the Director or direct supervisor, ensuring that the legal affairs of the organization are managed effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft submissions for review and approval by supervisors before the Appeals Board and ILOAT.
• Represent UNESCO in oral proceedings before the Appeals Board.
• Provide legal advice on draft legal instruments related to human resources and other areas.
• Review matters concerning the privileges and immunities of the organization and its personnel, drafting necessary correspondence.
• Prepare reports for governing bodies on Administrative Law activities, including outcomes of ILOAT judgments.
• Engage in additional activities to support the work team and ensure the proper functioning of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs.
• Undertake any other duties as requested by the Director or direct supervisor to facilitate the effective operation of the office.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law.
• A minimum of four years of progressively relevant experience in the practice of law within an intergovernmental organization or equivalent legal experience in government, law firms, non-profit organizations, or academia, with at least two years at the international level.
• Demonstrated experience in international administrative law or the law of the international civil service.
• Excellent analytical skills, particularly in applying legal texts.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate persuasively and effectively.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law. Specialized training or a diploma in international law or administrative law is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of progressively relevant experience in legal practice, particularly within intergovernmental organizations. Experience in litigation before international administrative tribunals or review bodies, as well as familiarity with the privileges and immunities of intergovernmental organizations, is highly desirable. Relevant experience within the United Nations system is also advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of either English or French (both written and spoken) and very good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 98,367 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of under-represented Member States, as well as individuals from minority and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.