DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS

Organizational Context

The Office of Legal Affairs serves as the central legal service for the UN Secretariat, providing legal advice and representation. This Director role is situated within the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, reporting directly to the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs.

Job Purpose

The Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is responsible for overseeing the UN's functions related to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments. This involves providing substantive support to various intergovernmental bodies, leading the Division's work, coordinating with international stakeholders, monitoring developments in ocean affairs, and managing capacity-building programs. The role also includes contributing to the overall strategy and management of the Office of Legal Affairs, ensuring high-quality outputs, and managing staff and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

The Director is accountable for the UN's responsibilities under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Key duties include organizing and supervising substantive support for intergovernmental bodies, leading the Division's work as secretariat for relevant agreements, and coordinating with international organizations. Responsibilities also encompass monitoring and analyzing ocean affairs developments, preparing legal publications, managing capacity-building programs, and communicating with government entities. The Director will manage the Division's budget and performance, contribute to strategic policy formulation, oversee the work program, ensure timely delivery of outputs, and coordinate activities within the UN system and with external partners. Reporting to intergovernmental bodies and ensuring the quality of all outputs are also critical functions. Additionally, the Director oversees staff recruitment, development, and management, fostering teamwork and representing the Organization at international forums.

Work Experience

Requires over 15 years of progressive professional experience in public international law, with at least 5 years in supervisory roles. A minimum of 5 years of experience in law of the sea and ocean affairs at the international level, and 5 years in a senior leadership position within a multicultural environment are also mandatory. Experience with intergovernmental bodies and conferences is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical and drafting skills, expertise in public international law and the law of the sea, leadership, communication, planning and organizing, judgment, and decision-making are essential. Experience in managing staff and contributing to organizational strategy is also key.

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