Programme Management Officer, Legal (Temporary for 6 Months)

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat is undergoing significant development reforms to better achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves strengthening the Resident Coordinator (RC) system and the Development Coordination Office (DCO), including regional teams. These teams support RCs, UN Country Teams, and facilitate coordination for effective operational activities. This Programme Management Officer role is within the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) in New York.

Job Purpose

The Programme Management Officer's purpose is to coordinate the management of legal issues within the UNDCO, its regional offices, and Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs). This involves evaluating legal queries, developing context-specific solutions, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure an efficient and cohesive approach to legal matters. The role supports the UN's reform efforts by providing legal guidance on Host Country Agreements, Privileges and Immunities, and various legal instruments, contributing to the effective operational activities of the UN Country Teams and the overall achievement of the SDGs. The incumbent will also prepare written outputs and provide substantive input on legal matters.

Responsibilities

The Programme Management Officer will evaluate legal queries related to programme and operational matters, developing practical solutions and initiating corrective actions. They will support RCOs and UNDCO Regional Offices in discussions on Host Country Agreements (HCAs), collaborating with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and other stakeholders. The role involves leading interoffice meetings on legal matters, including HCAs and Privileges and Immunities, and advising on all RC System legal issues. Additionally, the officer will support the formation and finalization of various legal instruments, such as MoUs and agreements, and provide guidance on legal issues to UNDCO and RCOs. The position requires organizing and preparing written outputs like background papers and reports, and contributing substantive input to analytical and progress reports.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in project/programme management, legal, or a related field is required. This includes at least five years of experience with legal issues pertinent to UN operational activities and intergovernmental processes. Experience with change management, UN common system policies, preparing written outputs, and working within the UN or a similar international organization is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Building Trust, knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies, ability to apply UN administrative rules, conceptual and analytical skills, research and analysis, problem identification and resolution, effective written and verbal communication, goal setting, prioritization, time management, risk assessment, and maintaining trust.

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