Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing solutions to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in addressing the continent's development challenges through research, policy analysis, and capacity building. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders across multiple countries in Africa and beyond.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer position is located in the Office of the Executive Secretary at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role involves providing legal support and advice on a wide range of issues related to constitutional, international, public, private, and administrative law. The Legal Officer will be responsible for conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and providing legal opinions on matters concerning the United Nations and its operations. This position requires a strong understanding of public international law and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. The Legal Officer will work closely with senior legal officers and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal standards and to support the organization's mission of promoting sustainable development in Africa. The role also includes responsibilities related to data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will handle a variety of legal issues, including but not limited to: interpreting and applying legislative instruments governing UN activities; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; preparing legal briefs, reports, and correspondence; reviewing legal documents and instruments; drafting background papers and legislative texts; providing legal opinions on public international law issues; preparing agreements and contracts with governments and NGOs; representing the organization in legal proceedings; advising on human resources and administrative matters; and preparing seminars and lectures on legal issues. The Legal Officer will also collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights to support data-driven planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in public international law, with knowledge of the UN system and legal principles. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in legal drafting, analytical skills, and the ability to conduct complex legal research. Strong negotiating skills and the ability to apply good legal judgment are essential. The candidate should also exhibit professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into legal work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, with a focus on public international law, is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, with an emphasis on public international law, is required. Candidates must have experience in legal analysis, research, and writing, as well as at least two years of experience as an advocate or litigator before courts and tribunals. Experience working in international organizations is desirable, and additional experience in data analytics or related fields is also a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage.

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 achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow the application instructions carefully.