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 related to the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and international law, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The UN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is situated within the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs. The role involves providing secretariat services related to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the BBNJ Agreement. The Legal Officer will conduct extensive legal research and analysis, prepare various legal documents, and provide legal opinions on international law issues. The position requires collaboration with senior colleagues and participation in diplomatic conferences and meetings. The Legal Officer will also assist in capacity-building initiatives and provide guidance to junior staff, ensuring effective legal support for the organization's objectives in marine biodiversity conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence related to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the BBNJ Agreement. Duties include reviewing legal documents, drafting background papers and legislative texts, preparing legal opinions on public international law issues, and assisting in the preparation of agreements and contracts. The Legal Officer will support senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences and committees, represent the organization at various events, and assist in administering technical assistance programs. Additionally, the role involves preparing capacity-building seminars, analyzing data for trends, and performing other assigned duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, concepts, and procedures, particularly in relation to international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ability to conduct legal research, analyze information, and draft legal documents is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills. The role requires the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work. Strong communication skills and the ability to convey complex legal information clearly are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law with a focus on public international law is required. Specialization in the law of the sea is desirable. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, highlighting the importance of relevant educational qualifications in the field of international law.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international law is required, including legal analysis, research, and writing. At least three years of experience specifically in the law of the sea is necessary. Candidates should have experience servicing intergovernmental meetings and dealing with issues related to the BBNJ Agreement. Experience in teaching or lecturing on international law subjects, particularly the law of the sea, and organizing related courses or seminars is considered 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 proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the United Nations' commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will undergo reference checks to verify their qualifications and experience. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring procedure. The job opening will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date, and candidates are urged to follow all application instructions carefully.