Associate Legal Officer

Organizational Context

The Disciplinary Section, within the Administrative Law Division of the Office of Human Resources, is responsible for implementing UN standards of conduct. This section provides legal advice on internal justice matters, represents the Secretary-General before the UN Dispute Tribunal, and manages disciplinary cases for Secretariat staff. The role is based in Nairobi and reports to a Legal Officer and the Chief of Section.

Job Purpose

The Associate Legal Officer provides crucial legal support for disciplinary cases and advises on human resources and administrative matters within the UN's internal justice system. This involves preparing recommendations for disciplinary actions, assisting in drafting submissions for the UN Dispute Tribunal, and potentially representing the Secretary-General in oral proceedings. The role also entails conducting legal research, analyzing cases and jurisprudence, drafting legal documents, and maintaining case databases. The primary goal is to ensure the effective and fair processing of disciplinary matters and contribute to the consistent application of administrative law across the UN Secretariat.

Responsibilities

Provide legal support for handling disciplinary cases referred to the Office of Human Resources. Offer advice on human resources and administrative matters within formal proceedings before the UN Dispute Tribunal. Review and prepare recommendations for processing disciplinary matters. Assist in preparing submissions to the UN Dispute Tribunal, identifying cases for informal resolution. Support representation of the Secretary-General in oral proceedings before the Dispute Tribunal. Respond to inquiries and correspondence. Draft, review, and advise on legal documents, ensuring consistency with administrative law. Conduct legal research and analyze cases and jurisprudence. Assist in producing comprehensive documentation for the disciplinary process. Maintain Section databases and registers. Perform other assigned duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of legal experience, including litigation at the national or international level, is required. Experience in administrative law litigation, workplace investigations, or handling disciplinary matters within an international organization is desirable. No experience is required for candidates who have passed specific UN examinations (YPP, NCRE, G to P).

Skills

Professionalism, legal principles application, legal research and analysis, legislative interpretation, legal drafting, working under pressure, legal judgment, communication (written and verbal), planning and organizing, time management.

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