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 located within the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various global issues.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in providing expert legal advice and support regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related agreements. This position requires a deep understanding of international law, particularly as it pertains to ocean affairs. The incumbent will assist in policy formulation and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, conduct extensive legal research, and prepare various legal documents and reports. The role also involves servicing intergovernmental meetings, providing assistance to states on legal issues, and mentoring junior legal officers. The Legal Officer will represent the organization at various meetings and conferences, ensuring that the legal aspects of ocean affairs are effectively communicated and implemented.

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 the effective implementation of the UN 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, studies, reports, and legal instruments.
• Reviewing legal documents and materials related to ocean affairs.
• Servicing intergovernmental meetings and preparing background materials and meeting reports.
• Assisting states with legal issues and capacity-building needs.
• Coordinating and directing teams of legal officers on significant problems and mentoring junior officers.
• Representing the organization at various meetings and conferences.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex legal issues, conduct comprehensive legal research, and produce high-quality legal documents. Discretion and sound judgment are essential, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and the UN system is also required. Candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international law as it pertains to ocean affairs.

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 English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly from underrepresented member states. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various duty stations as needed.