Principal Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Principal Legal Officer
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs at the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and is an international organization founded to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It has 193 member states and operates in various countries around the world, focusing on a wide range of issues including law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The organization employs thousands of staff members who work in various capacities to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Principal Legal Officer will play a crucial role in formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the Codification Division, focusing on the progressive development of international law and its codification. This position requires overseeing the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring timely execution of programmed activities, and coordinating work across different areas within the Division and the broader United Nations System. The officer will be responsible for preparing and supervising research activities on complex subjects of international law, providing substantive servicing to intergovernmental bodies, and coordinating the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination, and Wider Appreciation of International Law. The role also involves leading and supervising the work programme of the Division, ensuring high-quality outputs, and assisting the Director in resource allocation and work programme preparation. The Principal Legal Officer will represent the Division at various meetings and provide substantive expertise on international law issues.

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

• Formulating and implementing the substantive work programme of the Division related to international law.
• Overseeing the management of activities and ensuring timely execution of programmed activities.
• Preparing and supervising research on complex international law subjects.
• Providing substantive servicing to the International Law Commission and other committees.
• Coordinating the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in International Law.
• Leading and supervising the work programme of the Division, including reviewing drafts and participating in inter-departmental committees.
• Reporting on budget/programme performance and substantive issues to intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality standards for outputs produced by the Division.
• Assisting in preparing the work programme and allocating resources. 1
• Undertaking administrative tasks necessary for the Division's functioning, including budget preparation and staff evaluations. 1
• Recruiting staff and managing team dynamics. 1
• Organizing meetings and seminars on substantive issues. 1
• Representing the Division at various international, regional, or national meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess comprehensive and in-depth theoretical knowledge of international law, particularly in public international law. They should have outstanding analytical and drafting skills, with proven ability to design and supervise research projects on complex international law issues. The ability to apply UN rules and regulations in work situations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and strong planning and organizational abilities. Managerial competencies such as leadership and performance management are also required, as the role involves guiding and developing staff.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, with a focus on public international law, is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A doctorate with a published thesis in public international law is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible work experience in public international law, with a strong emphasis on its progressive development and codification. Experience at the international level is required, along with experience providing substantive support to governmental or intergovernmental bodies. Supervisory experience in an office, unit, or section is desirable, as is familiarity with the policies and operations of the United Nations or similar international organizations. Experience in organizing international law training courses or seminars is also desirable.

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 knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. Candidates appointed to this position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.