Senior Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the General Legal Division (GLD) of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN has a diverse workforce of over 37,000 employees and operates in more than 190 countries worldwide. The GLD provides legal advice and support to the UN's various entities, ensuring compliance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and the organization's regulations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Officer will work under the direction of the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of the General Legal Division. This role involves handling complex legal matters related to international commercial law, particularly concerning the investments of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The incumbent will provide legal advice on investment activities, negotiate agreements, and ensure compliance with legal frameworks. The position requires a deep understanding of international law, investment transactions, and the ability to navigate sensitive legal issues. The Senior Legal Officer will also supervise other legal officers and coordinate with external legal advisors, contributing to the overall legal strategy of the UNJSPF.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Handling complex legal matters related to international commercial law and investment activities.
• Providing legal advice on the Fund's investments and negotiating agreements.
• Advising on international investment transactions in sectors such as private equity and real estate.
• Coordinating with external legal advisors and supervising other legal officers.
• Conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions, briefs, and reports.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts and legal documents.
• Supervising the defense and pursuit of claims and negotiating settlements.
• Representing the UN at meetings and conferences.
• Contributing to the development of legal instruments and policies. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth theoretical knowledge and extensive experience in international law and global investment procedures. They should have a strong understanding of business law, corporate finance, and investment transactions. The ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in legal writing and research, as well as strong negotiation skills. The role requires the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates must also be admitted to the bar or otherwise qualified to practice law in a Member State of the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in commercial law, particularly in investment matters, is required. This experience should include legal analysis, research, and writing, preferably acquired at a law firm, legal department of a global investment institution, or an international organization. Experience representing institutional investors and providing legal advice on derivatives transactions is desirable, as is familiarity with the privileges and immunities of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current UN staff member, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to funding availability. The UN emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and adheres to strict standards of integrity and professionalism in its recruitment process. Candidates must provide accurate information in their applications, and those under serious consideration will undergo reference checks.