Legal Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Assistant
Location: New York City
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, with a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing global challenges. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant will work under the supervision of the Principal Legal Officer and will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the legal functions of the office. This includes conducting research, compiling materials for legal opinions, and assisting in the preparation of documents for meetings and reports. The role requires a strong understanding of legal processes and the ability to handle inquiries from both internal and external parties. The Legal Assistant will also be involved in maintaining databases, drafting correspondence, and providing general office support. This position is crucial for ensuring that the office operates smoothly and efficiently, and it requires a proactive approach to managing tasks and deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: conducting research and compiling materials for legal opinions; handling inquiries from various parties; reviewing and processing documents; editing and checking the accuracy of documentation; servicing committees and meetings; preparing documents for electronic storage; maintaining internal databases; providing general office support; scheduling appointments and monitoring deadlines; coordinating administrative services; and performing other ad hoc duties as assigned. This role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work under supervision while also being proactive in managing tasks.

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. This experience can be reduced to three years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in legal research and working in international organizations or corporations is also desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 or similar software suites is preferred.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Paralegal education is considered desirable, indicating that candidates with formal training in legal studies may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, or general office support. However, this requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in legal research and familiarity with the workings of international organizations or corporations is also beneficial.

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.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York City. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment.