Legal Affairs Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will be part of UNICEF's Legal Team, which supports the organization’s business units globally by delivering strategic legal solutions. This role involves advising internal clients, particularly the nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Child Nutrition Fund Management Unit, on governance, resource mobilization, supply and procurement, and regulatory compliance. The specialist will handle a wide range of legal matters, including commercial contracts and private sector partnerships, and will report to the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist in Brussels. The position requires a proactive approach to legal challenges and collaboration with various teams across the organization to ensure effective legal support and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Affairs Specialist will take on several key responsibilities, including acting as the lead lawyer on matters related to the Child Nutrition Fund, advising on governance and regulatory frameworks, drafting and negotiating resource mobilization agreements, and managing commercial negotiations. The role also involves collaborating with the Child Nutrition Fund Management Unit and other teams across UNICEF, providing training and capacity building, and supporting legal knowledge management and governance projects. The specialist will be expected to maintain high levels of responsiveness to clients, manage expectations, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Additionally, the role requires taking ownership of legal matters, exercising good judgment, and being proactive in stakeholder management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a post-graduate university law degree (e.g., LL.B, LL.M, J.D.) in a relevant field of law, or a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in law practice, particularly in international or commercial law, is required. Experience in a law firm, private practice, or as in-house counsel, especially within international organizations, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a post-graduate law degree in a relevant field such as international law or commercial law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying work experience may be accepted. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary legal knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, with a focus on international or commercial law. Candidates should have experience working in law firms, private practice, or as in-house counsel, particularly within international organizations such as the UN or development banks. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of legal issues faced by UNICEF.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in another UN official language, such as Chinese, Arabic, Russian, French, or Spanish, is desirable. This language requirement is important for effective communication within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a one-year temporary assignment based in Brussels, Belgium. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.