Legal Officer

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Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Disciplinary Section of the Disciplinary Accountability Service (DS-DAS), which is part of the Administrative Law Division (ALD) of the Office of Human Resources (OHR) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to upholding the UN standards of conduct for all personnel across the UN Secretariat. The ALD provides strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represents the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The division is responsible for handling disciplinary matters related to Secretariat staff members and works to empower UN managers in addressing conduct and discipline issues. The UN aims to maintain high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position involves a range of responsibilities under the supervision of the Chief of the Disciplinary Section. The incumbent will lead the handling of disciplinary matters from field operations and manage complex legal issues involving international, public, national, and administrative law. The role requires providing legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions, conducting extensive legal research, and preparing legal documents such as opinions, briefs, and reports. The Legal Officer will also represent the organization in complex cases before tribunals and administrative proceedings, participate in negotiations and settlements, and mentor junior officers. The position demands strong analytical skills, legal expertise, 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:

• Lead officer handling disciplinary matters from field operations and manage complex legal issues.
• Provide legal advice on substantive and procedural questions related to administration, management, procurement, peacekeeping, and criminal investigations.
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, and reports.
• Prepare legal submissions and motions during investigations and prosecutions.
• Service diplomatic conferences and prepare background materials and meeting reports.
• Review, advise on, and draft complex legal documents.
• Advise on negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes.
• Provide legal advice on staff regulations and rules, and prepare draft amendments.
• Represent the organization in complex cases before tribunals. 1
• Serve on various boards and committees as required. 1
• Coordinate and mentor teams of legal officers. 1
• Contribute to the design of new legal instruments and policies. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in criminal law. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions. Proficiency in legal writing and the ability to prepare various legal documents is essential. Candidates must also have strong negotiating skills and the ability to influence others. The role requires discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal issues, as well as the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

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

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal experience is required, including at least two years of experience in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates should have first-hand experience in leading evidence before courts or tribunals. Experience in handling disciplinary matters within national or international entities is desirable, as is familiarity with the staff regulations and operations of the United Nations or similar organizations.

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 UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by temporary funding and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not charge any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions carefully during the application process.