LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

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

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer is responsible for handling a broad spectrum of legal issues, including international commercial law, public and private international law, and administrative law. This involves extensive legal research, analysis, and the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, memoranda, and reports. The role requires providing legal opinions and advice on various matters, including contract disputes, third-party claims, and the interpretation of UN regulations. A key aspect is assisting in negotiations, settlement of disputes, and the drafting and review of complex contracts and agreements. The position also involves servicing committees, representing the Organization in legal proceedings, and providing guidance to junior staff, ensuring the highest standards of legal practice and support for UN activities.

Responsibilities

Handle diverse legal issues in international commercial, public, private international, and administrative law, including interpreting and applying governing instruments. Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis, preparing briefs, memoranda, reports, and correspondence. Review legal documents to identify critical issues, similarities, and inconsistencies. Provide legal opinions and advice on substantive and procedural questions, covering administration, procurement, peacekeeping, claims, arbitrations, and judicial cooperation. Specifically, analyze and advise on resolving disputes arising from contracts with vendors and third-party claims. Assist in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes, including risk assessment. Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and agreements with external entities. Prepare submissions for arbitral and administrative proceedings. Service committees and working groups, preparing background materials and reports. Represent the Organization in arbitral tribunals and administrative proceedings, including before the UN Appeals Tribunal. Advise on financial and staff regulations, review administrative decisions, and draft administrative issuances. Evaluate human resources and other administrative policies. Provide guidance to junior staff and perform other assigned duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience is required, encompassing international commercial law, legal analysis, research, and drafting. Experience in claims analysis and international commercial arbitration is essential. Experience with an international intergovernmental organization is desirable, as is experience in publishing legal articles or advising on the status and immunities of international organizations.

Skills

Professionalism, legal principles and procedures, legal research and analysis, knowledge of civil/common law systems, legislative interpretation, legal drafting, legal judgment, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and collaboration.

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