Legal Expert in the Areas of International Dispute Settlements, Agreements and Information Technology

Job Posting Organization:
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to facilitate international postal cooperation among its 192 member countries. The UPU serves as the primary forum for collaboration between postal sector players, ensuring a universal network of up-to-date products and services. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of postal services worldwide, promoting innovation, and addressing the challenges faced by the postal sector in the digital age. The UPU's mission includes fostering sustainable development through postal services, enhancing the quality of service, and ensuring that postal services are accessible to all. The organization operates in numerous countries, with a focus on international collaboration and the establishment of standards for postal services.

Job Overview:
The Legal Expert will work under the guidance of the Director of Legal Affairs, handling a diverse range of legal issues related to the UPU's functions, structure, and activities. The position emphasizes public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, international institutional law, and international dispute settlement, alongside contractual issues, procurement compliance, intellectual property, and data protection. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting legal research, providing legal opinions, and assisting in organization-wide efforts concerning contract management and international dispute settlements. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UPU governing bodies, member countries, and other postal sector stakeholders, to ensure compliance with legal instruments and internal regulations. The Legal Expert will also represent the UPU at meetings and provide legal training to internal and external stakeholders, contributing to the organization's mission of enhancing postal services globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence on legal issues related to UPU functions.
• Provide legal advice on contract management and international dispute settlements.
• Act as a focal point for legal matters concerning information technology, data protection, and privacy.
• Advise on substantive and procedural questions for various stakeholders, including Executive Management and UPU directorates.
• Interpret and apply legal instruments relevant to UPU work, including international treaties and internal regulations.
• Assist in resolving legal questions at meetings and provide secretariat services to committees dealing with legal matters.
• Prepare legal instruments such as draft treaty texts and agreements.
• Represent the UPU at specialized meetings and assist in legal submissions for internal appeal bodies.
• Consult with counterparts in other organizations and participate in negotiations with contractors and member countries. 1
• Review and draft legal instruments for institutional and operational purposes. 1
• Conduct legal feasibility studies and provide legal training on relevant issues. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in law (Master’s degree or equivalent) is required.
• Specialization in public international law, international institutional law, or international dispute settlements is desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of public international law, international institutional law, international dispute settlements, and arbitration is required.
• Strong understanding of procurement and compliance aspects, particularly within the United Nations common system.
• Proficiency in contract law and international commercial agreements is essential.
• Knowledge of international intellectual property law and issues related to information technology, including data protection and privacy, is required.
• Familiarity with the framework on privileges and immunities as applied to intergovernmental organizations is necessary.
• Working knowledge of international administrative law is required.
• Excellent analytical and legal drafting skills are essential for the role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law, such as a Master’s degree or its equivalent. A specialization in public international law, international institutional law, or international dispute settlements is highly desirable, as it aligns with the core functions of the position and the UPU's legal framework.

Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in an international legal environment is required. Experience at the international level within the United Nations common system or similar international organizations, law firms, or government entities is desirable, as it provides the necessary context and understanding of the legal landscape in which the UPU operates.

Languages:
Fluency in French or English is mandatory, with a good working knowledge of the other language. Proficiency in additional United Nations languages is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international framework of the UPU.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term (Core) appointment with a duration of three years. The annual salary is set at 70,212 USD, with a post adjustment of 68.1%, subject to fluctuations due to currency exchange rates or inflation. The scheduled date for taking up the appointment is as soon as possible. The UPU prioritizes internal promotions and encourages applications from minority groups and individuals with disabilities. All applications will be treated confidentially, and candidates may be considered for other similar posts for a period not exceeding one year. The UPU is committed to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity among its staff members, and candidates under serious consideration may undergo background checks to validate their educational and professional records. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.