Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: New York
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, established in 1945, 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 human rights, international law, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the BBNJ Agreement. This role involves preparing studies, reports, and legal opinions on various international law issues, particularly those concerning marine biodiversity. The Legal Officer will also assist in servicing diplomatic conferences and provide guidance to junior staff. The position requires a strong understanding of international law and the ability to draft legal documents and provide legal advice on complex issues. The Legal Officer will work under the supervision of the Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, reporting directly to a Senior Legal Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer's duties include conducting legal research and analysis, preparing drafts of background papers and reports, providing legal opinions on public international law issues, preparing agreements and contracts, supporting senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences, assisting in administering technical assistance programs, preparing capacity-building seminars, and analyzing data to identify trends. The Legal Officer will also represent the organization at various meetings and conferences, and perform other duties as assigned. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of legal principles and procedures, particularly in relation to international law and the United Nations 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 a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law with an emphasis 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.

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. Experience in servicing intergovernmental meetings and dealing with issues related to the BBNJ Agreement is also required. Teaching or lecturing experience in international law, particularly in the law of the sea, is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions carefully. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as part of the organization's mobility policy. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks to verify their qualifications.