Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The United Nations 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, uphold human rights, and coordinate international cooperation. The organization employs thousands of staff members across various countries, working in diverse fields to address global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for handling a range of issues related to public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, which includes interpreting and applying various legal instruments that govern United Nations activities. The role requires conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, reports, and correspondence, and reviewing legal documents to identify key issues. The Legal Officer will also prepare drafts of background papers and legal opinions on public international law issues, including those related to the UN Charter and resolutions from the General Assembly and Security Council. Additionally, the officer will assist in the preparation of agreements with governments and international organizations, negotiate claims and disputes, and provide guidance to junior staff. This position demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer's duties include handling issues related to public international law, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and providing legal opinions. The officer will review legal documents and identify important issues, prepare drafts of background papers and legislative texts, and assist in the negotiation of agreements. The role also involves servicing diplomatic conferences and committees, preparing meeting reports, and providing guidance to junior staff. The Legal Officer must demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork skills while fulfilling these responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public international law, including the UN Charter and the law of privileges and immunities. They should have excellent analytical skills, legal drafting proficiency, and the ability to apply good legal judgment. Negotiating skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and inclusivity in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public international law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least two years of experience as a lawyer in the legal office of an intergovernmental organization or government ministry is necessary. Desirable experience includes work related to international law governing privileges and immunities, preparation and negotiation of international agreements, and experience with the International Court of Justice. Additionally, at least two years of professional experience working with the UN or a related intergovernmental organization is preferred.

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

Additional Notes:
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations, and applicants are urged to follow all instructions in the online recruitment platform. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.