Legal Contractor
Organizational Context
The Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) supports the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) in Geneva. The UNDT is the first instance tribunal within the UN internal justice system, handling appeals from staff members against administrative decisions. This role provides essential support to UNDT judges.
Job Purpose
This role is crucial for ensuring the efficient and high-quality adjudication of cases before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). The Legal Contractor will provide substantive, technical, and administrative support to UNDT judges, assisting in the review of submissions, drafting legal documents, and conducting in-depth legal research. The purpose is to contribute to the fair and timely resolution of disputes, upholding the integrity of the UN's internal justice system and undertaking assignments as mandated by the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ). The role directly supports the operational effectiveness of the tribunal.
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive substantive, technical, and administrative support to UNDT judges in case adjudication. Review legal submissions and draft, review, and advise on legal documents and correspondence. Prepare background materials and summaries of issues for judges. Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence. Offer legal advice on substantive and procedural matters. Assist in preparing referrals to the Mediation Division. Support the production of accurate and comprehensive judgments, including reviewing drafts for consistency and editorial uniformity. Respond to queries from parties involved in cases. Maintain UNDT registers and assist in the publication and dissemination of decisions. Contribute to maintaining the OAJ case law digest and jurisprudence databank.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. At least one year of experience as a lawyer in administrative or employment/labor law, preferably within an international organization or tribunal, is necessary. Experience as a judicial/legal clerk or in litigation is desirable.
Skills
Legal analysis, legal research, legal writing, drafting legal documents, case adjudication support, administrative law, employment law, international law, jurisprudence analysis, communication, attention to detail.