LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is within the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at the UN Secretariat. The Legal Officer will report to a Senior Legal Officer, Principal Legal Officer, and the Director of the General Legal Division, contributing to the legal advisory functions of the organization.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer's purpose is to provide comprehensive legal support to the principal and subsidiary organs of the United Nations. This involves researching and drafting legal advice, memoranda, and communications on a wide array of issues including contracts, procurement, administrative law, staff and financial regulations, claims resolution, peacekeeping operations, and organizational accountability. The role requires extensive legal research and analysis, preparation of studies, briefs, and reports, and the drafting of legal opinions on international public and private law matters. Additionally, the position involves assisting in the drafting and analysis of complex contracts, negotiating disputes, settling claims, and representing the Organization before arbitral and administrative tribunals, including the UN Appeals Tribunal.

Responsibilities

The Legal Officer will handle diverse legal issues by researching and drafting advice, memoranda, and communications for UN organs. Key duties include advising on contracts, procurement, administrative law, staff and financial regulations, claims resolution, peacekeeping operations, and accountability. The role involves conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, and reports, and reviewing legal documents for critical issues. The Legal Officer will also draft legal opinions on international public and private law, including UN Charter matters, privileges and immunities, and peace and security. Furthermore, the position requires assisting in drafting and analyzing complex contracts and agreements, negotiating disputes, and settling claims against the Organization and its Funds & Programmes. Representation before arbitral and administrative tribunals, including the UN Appeals Tribunal, and assisting in preparing appeals of UNDT judgments are also core responsibilities. The role may involve guiding junior staff and serving on various committees and working groups.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience is required, including legal analysis, research, and writing. Experience gained in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization, a law firm, or a government is essential. Experience in administrative law litigation and practice within an international intergovernmental organization is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong legal research and analytical skills, knowledge of international public and private law, ability to draft legal documents and opinions, excellent communication (written and verbal), and teamwork are essential. Proficiency in English is required.

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