Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Officer
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, which is part of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. 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 it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer role involves handling a variety of issues related to public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in the context of the United Nations' activities and operations. The officer will work under the guidance of the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and will be responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis. This includes preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence, as well as reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues. The Legal Officer will also prepare legal opinions and advice on a wide range of public international law issues, including those related to the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, and treaty law. The position requires a strong understanding of legal principles and the ability to draft legal documents clearly and concisely. Additionally, the officer will provide guidance to junior staff and may assist in negotiating agreements with governments.

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

• Handling issues related to public international law and the interpretation of legal instruments governing UN activities.
• Conducting legal research and preparing comprehensive studies and reports.
• Reviewing legal documents and identifying inconsistencies or important issues.
• Drafting background papers, legislative texts, and commentaries.
• Providing legal opinions on matters related to the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions.
• Advising on international criminal accountability mechanisms and human rights law.
• Assisting in the negotiation of agreements with governments.
• Guiding junior staff and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public international law, including the law and practice of the United Nations. They should be familiar with legal principles and terminology, and have the ability to conduct thorough legal research. The role requires excellent drafting skills and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high standard of professionalism. Candidates should demonstrate good legal judgment and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into their work.

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

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least two years of experience in a legal office of a government department or an international organization is necessary. Experience in international law related to privileges and immunities, as well as in the preparation and negotiation of international agreements, is desirable. Additionally, experience advising on international criminal accountability mechanisms and human rights law is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as part of the UN's mobility policy. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.