Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is a key component of the United Nations, providing political and executive direction to peace operations globally. The DPO maintains contact with the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to conflicts to implement Security Council mandates. It integrates efforts from various entities, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to ensure effective peace operations. The DPO is committed to enhancing international peace and security through its operations and has a significant role in shaping the UN's approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer position is situated within the DPO Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI), specifically in the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS). This role is pivotal in providing expert legal advice and guidance on rule of law issues to senior management and leadership within UN peace operations. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the establishment of justice and corrections components in peace operations, ensuring that host countries can deliver essential justice and prison services, and facilitating necessary rule of law reforms. The position requires a high level of expertise in legal matters, particularly in complex and sensitive rule of law policy issues, and involves coordinating teams of judicial and corrections officers, as well as managing relationships with various stakeholders, including external agencies and research institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing expert legal advice to senior management on rule of law issues; serving as a recognized expert in specific areas of law; coordinating and directing teams of judicial and corrections officers; developing high-level partnerships within the UN system and with external agencies; making recommendations to senior officials regarding actions to take; providing authoritative policy and guidance on complex legal issues; organizing and supervising research studies; representing the organization at major briefings and conferences; contributing to the design of new policies and guidelines; and leading efforts to collect and analyze data for decision-making and reporting purposes. The role demands a proactive approach to managing multiple projects and ensuring effective collaboration among team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in criminal law. They should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct comprehensive research, and proficiency in legal writing. The role requires discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive legal issues, as well as strong negotiating skills to influence outcomes. Candidates should be able to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple concurrent projects effectively. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and the UN system is essential, along with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international law and the legal frameworks governing peace operations.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, particularly in the rule of law or justice and corrections sector, is required. This experience must include at least two years of providing strategic guidance and technical assistance for strengthening legal and judicial institutions in developmental, transitional, or post-conflict settings outside of the applicant's home country. A proven track record in drafting and implementing policies and research papers in the field of rule of law is desirable, as is experience working at the headquarters of an international organization.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

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 their careers. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and geographical diversity in its recruitment processes. Staff members must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.