Retainer Legal Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Legal Group (LG) at UNOPS provides legal advice on institutional, commercial, and administrative law matters. It supports UNOPS management and project offices globally, ensuring compliance with legal standards and safeguarding the organization against legal risks. UNOPS operates in multiple countries and is committed to sustainable development and project services.

Job Overview:
The Retainer Legal Specialist is a key member of the Administrative Law Practice within the Legal Group at UNOPS. This role involves providing legal advice on a variety of administrative law matters, particularly those related to personnel disputes and misconduct cases. The Legal Specialist will work closely with UNOPS management and various teams to ensure that legal advice is timely, accurate, and of high quality. The position requires a strong understanding of the internal justice system at UNOPS and the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment. The Legal Specialist will also engage with internal and external parties to facilitate dispute resolution and support the drafting of legal agreements as necessary. This role is crucial for maintaining UNOPS's reputation and operational integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice on personnel disputes and misconduct matters, ensuring high-quality legal support.
• Engage with internal and external parties to facilitate dispute resolution through various mechanisms.
• Assist in drafting legal agreements and negotiating terms with external parties.
• Support the Administrative Law Practice in maintaining databases and trackers related to disputes.
• Analyze legal data to inform policy development and institutional improvements.
• Contribute to knowledge management by sharing legal information and best practices within the organization.
• Develop and deliver training on administrative law matters.
• Prepare legal guidance notes for clients on relevant legal topics.
• Identify and escalate complex legal issues to the Legal Advisor, Administrative Law.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in law is required.
• A first-level university degree in law may be accepted with additional qualifying experience.
• Must satisfy all requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State.
• Minimum of five years of professional legal experience, particularly in administrative or international law.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively.
• Experience with UN policies and operations is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates must also meet the requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional legal experience, specifically in administrative or international law. Candidates should have experience in legal analysis, advice, research, and drafting legal texts. Familiarity with administrative, employment, or labor law is a strong asset, as is experience working with international organizations and understanding their privileges and immunities. Legal experience within the United Nations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. A working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered desirable, enhancing communication capabilities within diverse teams and international contexts.

Additional Notes:
This is an International ICA-2 contract at the ICS-10 level, with a duration of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The contract specifies a unit price for services rendered, and payment is contingent upon the completion of assignments or reaching agreed milestones. UNOPS does not guarantee a minimum quantity of services during the contract period. The organization emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals with disabilities. Background checks are conducted for all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results.