LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This Legal Officer position is within the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs at the UN Secretariat. The role reports to senior legal officers and the Division Director, contributing to the organization's legal framework and operations.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer is responsible for independently managing a wide range of complex legal matters across international commercial, public, private, and administrative law. This includes providing expert legal advice on diverse issues such as administration, procurement, peacekeeping, and programme support. The role involves extensive legal research, analysis, drafting of opinions, briefs, and agreements, and representing the organization in arbitral proceedings and before tribunals. The position also supports dispute resolution, contract negotiation, and advises on financial and staff regulations, ensuring consistency and compliance with UN legal standards.

Responsibilities

Independently handle complex legal matters in international commercial, public, private, and administrative law, interpreting and applying relevant instruments. Provide legal advice on administrative, management, procurement, contract, and operational issues, including those related to peacekeeping and separately administered programmes. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts, agreements, and legal documents, developing new legal modalities as needed. Advise on and support dispute resolution for contract and third-party claims, including participation in negotiations and settlements. Provide legal advice on procurement activities and the interpretation of financial and staff regulations. Represent the organization in arbitral proceedings and before tribunals, including disciplinary and staff appeals cases. Serve on committees and working groups, and coordinate or mentor junior legal officers. Contribute to the design and review of legal instruments and policies.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive legal experience is required, including legal analysis, research, and drafting, preferably within an international organization or government legal office. Substantial experience in claims analysis and international commercial arbitration is essential. Experience with international intergovernmental organizations and advising on their status and privileges is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical and research skills, legal writing and drafting, negotiation, discretion, sound judgment, ability to work under pressure, knowledge of international law and UN system, effective communication, and teamwork.

Explore related opportunities