Senior Legal Officer
Organizational Context
The Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA) in New York, part of the Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ), provides legal assistance to UN staff members. The Senior Legal Officer (Chief) heads OSLA, reporting to the Executive Director of OAJ, and is responsible for managing the program of legal assistance within the internal justice system.
Job Purpose
The Senior Legal Officer (Chief) is responsible for the effective and efficient management and functioning of the Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA). This includes overseeing legal officers and staff, providing strategic legal and policy advice, and managing resources. The role involves advising staff on appeals against administrative decisions, disciplinary measures, and resolving workplace disputes. A key function is representing clients in the formal internal justice system, including before the UN Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal, and preparing necessary legal submissions. The position also entails developing procedures, maintaining databases, and coordinating outreach and training activities.
Responsibilities
Ensures the effective and efficient discharge of OSLA's mandate. Coordinates and supervises legal officers and unit staff. Provides strategic legal and policy advice and managerial support. Advises clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary measures. Offers legal advice on complex substantive and procedural questions to resolve workplace disputes. Represents clients in the formal internal justice system, including before the UN Dispute Tribunal and Appeals Tribunal. Prepares written and oral submissions to the Tribunals. Manages human, financial, and other unit resources. Develops standard procedures, monitoring mechanisms, and innovative dispute resolution ideas. Maintains unit registers and databases. Prepares reports for the General Assembly and other bodies. Analyzes emerging issues and recommends strategies. Coordinates outreach and training activities. Manages a network of volunteer counsel and legal interns. Advises the Executive Director on administrative and logistical matters.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressive legal experience, including analysis, research, and writing. Five years of litigation experience before courts/tribunals in administrative, labor, or employment law. Three years of experience managing teams or offices, including lawyers. Experience providing legal advice in civil procedure, administrative law, or employment law is required. Experience in criminal law litigation and within the UN common system is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical and legal research skills, legal writing and expression, ability to prepare legal briefs and instruments, witness examination, oral advocacy before tribunals, discretion, sound judgment, negotiating skills, ability to work under pressure, knowledge of the UN system, knowledge of UN staff rules and regulations, strong managerial and interpersonal skills, ability to use electronic search engines, client orientation, leadership, and performance management.