Senior Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Senior Legal Officer
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Critical Incident Response Section (CIRS) of the Disciplinary Accountability Service (DAS) of the Administrative Law Division (ALD) in the Office of Human Resources, Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance. The ALD is responsible for implementing the United Nations standards of conduct for all personnel across the UN Secretariat. It provides strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represents the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. The ALD also manages disciplinary matters related to Secretariat staff, oversees efforts to prevent and respond to unsatisfactory conduct, and supports UN Secretariat managers in addressing conduct and discipline issues. CIRS specifically handles complex and high-risk conduct-related matters.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer will serve as an expert in administrative law matters, managing a wide range of complex and sensitive legal issues that can significantly impact the Organization's reputation and core values. This role involves providing authoritative legal advice to senior officials on various substantive and procedural questions, conducting extensive legal research, and preparing legal opinions and documents. The officer will also supervise a legal team, represent the Organization in tribunal proceedings, and contribute to the development of legal instruments and policies. The position requires a strong understanding of international legal procedures and the ability to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for independently handling complex legal matters, providing legal advice to senior officials, managing a legal team, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, representing the Organization in tribunal proceedings, advising on personnel policies, and contributing to the design of legal instruments and policies. The officer will also service task forces, prepare background materials, and participate in various committees and working groups. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and a commitment to gender equality in all areas of work.

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, develop innovative solutions, and conduct comprehensive legal research. Proficiency in legal writing and the ability to prepare various legal documents are essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong negotiating skills, discretion in handling sensitive issues, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in law is required, including at least four years in litigation at the national or international level. Candidates should have firsthand experience in leading evidence before a court or tribunal and experience supervising litigators. Experience in handling sensitive disciplinary matters in large organizations is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current UN staff member, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. This temporary role does not affect the future incumbency of the position. The position may be limited to internal candidates based at the duty station, and candidates who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.