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 Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) within the United Nations. The UN 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 various global issues, including international law, human rights, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in providing expert legal advice and support to senior officials within the United Nations, particularly in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and associated agreements. The incumbent will be expected to assist in policy formulation and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design concerning ocean affairs, conduct extensive legal research, and prepare various legal documents and reports. This position requires a deep understanding of international law, particularly as it pertains to ocean issues, and the ability to analyze complex legal matters. The Legal Officer will also be involved in servicing intergovernmental meetings, providing assistance to member states on legal issues, and mentoring junior legal officers. The role demands strong analytical skills, proficiency in legal writing, and the ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Providing expert verbal and written legal advice to senior officials to promote and implement the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• Assisting in the formulation of policies and designing program activities related to ocean affairs.
• Conducting extensive legal research and preparing drafts of background papers, reports, and legal documents.
• Reviewing legal documents and materials related to ocean affairs.
• Servicing intergovernmental meetings and preparing background materials and meeting reports.
• Assisting member states with legal issues and capacity-building needs.
• Coordinating and directing teams of legal officers on significant projects.
• Representing the organization at various meetings and conferences.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Principal Legal Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in the field of ocean law. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues, conduct comprehensive legal research, and prepare various legal documents. The role requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of contemporary international relations and the UN system.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required for this position. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, indicating a flexible approach to educational qualifications depending on the candidate's experience.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international law is required, with at least five years specifically in the field of law of the sea and ocean-related matters at the international level. Candidates should have experience in servicing intergovernmental meetings and editorial work related to international law publications. Experience in organizing international trainings and seminars on ocean affairs is desirable, as is experience in monitoring developments in international relations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented member states. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and diversity in its recruitment process. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per UN mobility policies. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity and efficiency in its hiring practices.