Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Focal Point for Delisting, which is part of a Special Political Mission administered by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the United Nations. This office is responsible for overseeing the delisting process as mandated by security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council resolution 2744 (2024). The organization aims to ensure fair and transparent procedures for individuals seeking delisting from sanctions lists, reflecting the UN's commitment to uphold human rights and justice. The UN Secretariat is dedicated to achieving a diverse workforce and promoting gender equality, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Focal Point for Delisting by providing legal expertise and assistance in the delisting process. This position requires a deep understanding of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, particularly in relation to the Security Council's sanctions regime. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, and preparing comprehensive reports for the Security Council’s Sanctions Committees. The role involves direct interaction with petitioners and their legal representatives, ensuring a smooth flow of information throughout the delisting review process. The Legal Officer will also assess evidence for relevance and admissibility, provide legal advice on various substantive and procedural questions, and contribute to the preparation of background papers and legal opinions. This position demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in drafting factual and legal portions of Comprehensive Reports for the Security Council’s Sanctions Committees; reviewing legal documents and identifying key issues; preparing for interviews with petitioners and character witnesses; ensuring effective communication between the Focal Point for Delisting and relevant parties; assessing evidence and preparing briefs; providing legal advice on substantive and procedural matters; conducting legal and open-source research; preparing drafts of reports and correspondence; and analyzing data to identify trends for informed decision-making. The Legal Officer will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in law, with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience in drafting legal opinions, decisions, or judgments is essential. Familiarity with United Nations sanctions and experience interacting with high-level officials and stakeholders is highly desirable. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research, and the capacity to handle confidential information with discretion. Candidates should demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to draft complex documents succinctly and accurately.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary legal knowledge and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, which includes legal analysis, research, and writing. Candidates should have a proven track record in drafting legal opinions and decisions. Experience working with United Nations sanctions and engaging with high-level officials and stakeholders is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate complex legal and diplomatic environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is desirable and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully to ensure their eligibility.