ASSOCIATE LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is located in the Innovation and Research Coordination Unit within the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The incumbent reports directly to the Senior Coordinator of the Unit, contributing to UNCTAD's mandate in trade and development.

Job Purpose

The Associate Legal Officer contributes significantly to the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) by providing specialized legal expertise. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct in-depth legal research and analysis on a diverse range of international trade law issues and other relevant specializations. This involves interpreting primary and secondary legislation, policy instruments, and international treaties to identify their ramifications for the global economy, with a particular focus on developing countries, Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Landlocked Developing Countries. The officer supports the preparation of comprehensive legal analyses, background papers, studies, and reports on trade and development, assessing the implications of global trade policy changes. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the coordination of cross-divisional research, preparing legal opinions and advice on international public and private law, and administering legal technical assistance programs. The officer also contributes to data collection and analysis, providing insights for data-driven planning and decision-making within UNCTAD.

Responsibilities

The Associate Legal Officer conducts extensive legal research on international trade law and other specialized areas, utilizing various sources to analyze information and present findings for internal review. This includes assisting in the analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary legislation, policy instruments, and international treaties related to trade, assessing their ramifications for the global economy. The role involves collating national trade policy changes to maintain databases on tariffs and non-tariff measures. The officer contributes to legal analysis and the preparation of background papers, studies, and reports on trade and development issues, focusing on the implications of global trade policy changes for developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Landlocked Developing Countries. Furthermore, the incumbent assists in coordinating cross-divisional research and preparing legal opinions and advice on a broad spectrum of international public and private law issues, including those related to the UN Charter, privileges and immunities, treaty law, and constitutional/administrative law of the Organization. Additional duties include administering legal technical assistance programs, servicing conferences and other bodies by preparing background materials, and contributing to data collection and analysis to provide insights for data-driven planning and reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in trade law, encompassing legal analysis, research, and writing is required. Desirable experience includes working on investment and trade policy issues, particularly tariffs and non-tariff measures, at least one year in data analytics, and experience with the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or gender and development issues.

Skills

Legal research and analysis (international trade law, treaties, legislation), data analysis and interpretation, legal drafting, professional judgment, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and ability to work under pressure. Knowledge of international trade rules, Free Trade Agreements, and economic theories is essential.

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