Legal Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Assistant
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, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various functions including legal affairs, humanitarian assistance, and development. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, aiming to reflect the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Office of the Legal Counsel by conducting research, compiling materials for legal opinions, and assisting in the preparation of various documents and reports. The incumbent will handle inquiries from both internal and external parties, ensuring that information regarding office processes and procedures is communicated effectively. The position requires a detail-oriented individual who can manage multiple tasks, including document verification, editing, and maintaining databases. The Legal Assistant will also be responsible for providing general office support, scheduling meetings, and coordinating administrative services, all while adhering to the guidelines and requirements set forth by the office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: researching and compiling materials for legal opinions and reports; handling inquiries from various parties; reviewing and processing documents for conformity; editing and finalizing documentation; servicing committees and meetings; preparing documents for electronic storage; maintaining internal databases; providing general office support; drafting and proofreading correspondence; scheduling appointments; and coordinating administrative services. The role may also involve performing ad hoc duties as assigned by the Principal Legal Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with paralegal education being desirable. A minimum of five years of experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, or general office support is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have the minimum experience requirement reduced to three years. Experience in legal research or working in an international organization is also desirable, along with proficiency in Microsoft 365 or similar software suites.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational qualification. A paralegal education is considered an asset, indicating that candidates with formal training in legal studies may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in paralegal work, office support, or related fields. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in legal research or working within an international organization, national government, or international corporation is highly desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the legal processes and environments in which the United Nations operates.

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 United Nations language is considered an advantage, reflecting the organization's commitment to multilingualism and effective communication across diverse cultures.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment processes, and candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and the organization's needs. The recruitment process is free of charge, and applicants are advised to follow all instructions provided in the online recruitment platform.