Associate Legal Officer

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Position Title: Associate Legal Officer
Location: Santiago
Country: Chile
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Secretariat of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, known as the Escazú Agreement. This Secretariat operates under the Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was established in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the region. Its objectives include the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, as well as providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments. ECLAC also supports regional and international cooperation and coordination activities, making it a vital player in fostering sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information, please visit their official website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Associate Legal Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Division. The primary function of this role is to support the secretariat functions of the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean. The position requires conducting legal research on a variety of issues related to international, environmental, and human rights law, utilizing multiple research sources. The Associate Legal Officer will analyze information, prepare drafts of background papers, studies, and reports, and assist in administering legal technical assistance programs. Additionally, the role involves servicing diplomatic conferences and committees, contributing to data collection and analysis, and providing insights through data visualization methods. The position demands a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and organizational skills to effectively manage the responsibilities assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Legal Officer include: conducting legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international, environmental, and human rights law; assisting in the review of legal documents and identifying important issues; preparing drafts of background papers, studies, and reports; administering programs of legal technical assistance; servicing diplomatic conferences and committees; contributing to data collection and analysis; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires the ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results and recommendations clearly, and draft legal papers while working under pressure. The Associate Legal Officer must also demonstrate good legal judgment and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first-level university degree in law. Additionally, successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures, as well as the ability to conduct legal research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. The role demands excellent drafting skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a first-level university degree in law. It is also desirable for candidates to have completed programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science, which would enhance their ability to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Candidates must have experience in researching legal, judicial, and parliamentary instruments, as well as experience in the sustainable development field, environment, human rights, or related areas. Experience specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean is also required, as it is crucial for understanding the regional context of the work.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, while Spanish is a working language of ECLAC. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is fluency in English and Spanish.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position does not guarantee future employment and is intended to provide the successful applicant with new work experience. Candidates who are nearing the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the temporary position are not eligible to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. Flexible working arrangements may be available, but these should be discussed at the final stage of the offer. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.