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. It also oversees 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 while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in handling disciplinary matters from field operations and will independently manage a wide range of complex legal issues involving international, public, national, and administrative law. The incumbent will provide legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions, which may encompass administration, management, procurement, contracts, peacekeeping, and criminal investigations. The position requires extensive legal research and analysis, preparation of legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. The Legal Officer will also prepare legal submissions and motions during investigations and prosecutions, service diplomatic conferences, and represent the organization in complex cases before tribunals. Additionally, the role involves mentoring junior officers and contributing to the development of new legal instruments and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: serving as the lead officer for disciplinary matters from field operations; providing legal advice on complex legal questions; performing extensive legal research and preparing legal documents; advising on negotiations and settlements of claims; reviewing and drafting legal documents; representing the organization in administrative proceedings; coordinating teams of legal officers; contributing to the design of legal instruments and policies; and performing other duties as assigned. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to handle multiple projects, and a commitment to upholding the UN's standards of conduct.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding 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 expression is essential, as is the ability to lead and cross-examine witnesses. Strong negotiating skills and the ability to influence others are also required. Candidates should be able to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple concurrent cases effectively.

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 in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates should have first-hand experience in leading evidence before courts or tribunals and handling disciplinary matters in national or international entities. Experience with UN staff regulations and operations is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, 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, subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.