Senior Legal Officer-Administrative Law

Organizational Context

UNRWA is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five operational areas. The organization seeks committed personnel to make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities. The Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law) role reports to the Principal Legal Officer (General Law), P-5, at HQ Amman.

Job Purpose

The Senior Legal Officer (Administrative Law) provides crucial legal advice, training, and assistance concerning administrative and employment law within UNRWA. This includes advising on investigations, disciplinary matters, and drafting submissions for the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal and the UN’s Appeals Tribunal, including appearing before them as required. The role also involves advising on the interpretation and application of the Agency’s regulatory framework, particularly staff regulations and rules, and providing legal input for strategy and policy development, especially concerning human resources and the internal justice system. Additionally, the position involves drafting and reviewing various contractual agreements and advising on the Agency's status, mandate, privileges, and immunities, as well as personnel conduct standards.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive legal advice, training, and assistance on administrative and employment law matters. Advise on investigations and disciplinary proceedings, and draft/review submissions for the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal and UN Appeals Tribunal, appearing before them as needed. Interpret and apply the Agency’s regulatory framework, including staff regulations, rules, and administrative issuances. Contribute legal expertise to the development and implementation of Agency strategy and policy, focusing on human resources and the internal justice system. Draft and review various contractual modalities, including procurement contracts, memoranda of understanding, and funding agreements. Advise on the Agency's status, mandate, privileges, immunities, and personnel conduct standards.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of legal experience is required, gained within the UN, other international organizations, government, or the private sector, with specific experience in administrative or employment law or tribunal-related work. Two years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside one's home country is also required for international posts. Familiarity with the UN Common System and experience with administrative tribunals are desirable.

Skills

Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Persuading and Influencing, Analyzing, Relating and Networking. Leadership Competencies: Engaging and Nurturing, Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership. Other Competencies: Good English drafting skills. UN Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity.

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