LEGAL OFFICER

Organizational Context

This Legal Officer position is within the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation Secretariat of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The role reports to the Senior Economic Affairs Officer, focusing on international tax cooperation and its legal frameworks.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer will serve as a lead in international tax cooperation, handling complex legal matters related to the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and its protocols. This involves providing legal advice, conducting research, and preparing analyses on public international law aspects, treaty coherence, and alignment with sustainable development goals. The role supports intergovernmental negotiations by preparing materials, providing specialized input on legal drafting, and advising on negotiation strategies. Additionally, the Legal Officer will advise on the interpretation and application of the Convention, review administrative decisions, and contribute to the design of legal instruments and policies. The position also involves data analysis for planning and reporting, and potentially directing teams and mentoring junior officers.

Responsibilities

Serve as a lead officer in international tax cooperation, managing complex legal matters involving international, public, private, and administrative law, and interpreting relevant instruments. Provide legal advice on complex issues concerning international tax cooperation, particularly the UN Framework Convention and its protocols. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing opinions, studies, and reports on public international law aspects, treaty relationships, and sustainable development alignment. Service intergovernmental negotiating committees by preparing background materials and meeting reports. Offer specialized input on legal drafting and structural aspects of the Framework Convention and protocols during negotiations. Advise on and participate in negotiations for establishing the Framework Convention, including strategy and legal text development. Provide legal advice on the interpretation and application of the Convention, review administrative decisions, and prepare draft amendments and issuances. Serve on committees and working groups, and represent the organization at meetings. Coordinate and mentor other legal officers on specific projects. Contribute to the review and design of legal instruments, policies, and guidelines. Analyze data using visualization methods to support planning and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in tax law, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Experience with international tax policy, administration issues, and international tax cooperation is also required. Experience with multilateral or bilateral tax treaties is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical and legal research skills, proficiency in legal writing, ability to handle complex legal issues, knowledge of international tax law and UN system, teamwork, and accountability.

Explore related opportunities