Legal Officer
Organizational Context
This Legal Officer position is within the Office of the Focal Point for delisting, administered by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The role supports the Focal Point, appointed by Security Council resolution 2744 (2024), in processing delisting requests for individuals and entities designated by UN Sanctions Committees, excluding the ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch.
Job Purpose
The Legal Officer's primary purpose is to support the Focal Point for Delisting in processing requests for the removal of individuals and entities from UN Sanctions Committee lists. This involves conducting thorough legal research and analysis, preparing comprehensive reports for the Security Council's Sanctions Committees, and assisting in the review of legal documents. The role also includes supporting interviews with petitioners and witnesses, managing communication throughout the delisting process, assessing evidence, and preparing legal briefs. Additionally, the Legal Officer provides legal advice on human resources and administrative matters, administers legal technical assistance programs, and offers guidance to junior staff, contributing to the fair and efficient functioning of the delisting mechanism.
Responsibilities
The Legal Officer will handle diverse legal issues including constitutional, international, public, private, administrative, and criminal law, focusing on the interpretation and application of UN instruments. Key duties involve conducting legal research and analysis, preparing studies, briefs, and correspondence. The role includes assisting in drafting factual and legal sections of reports to Sanctions Committees, reviewing legal documents for inconsistencies, and supporting the preparation and conduct of interviews with delisting petitioners and witnesses. Responsibilities also encompass managing information flow between the Focal Point and petitioners, assessing evidence for relevance and admissibility, preparing briefs of evidence, and servicing intergovernmental bodies. Furthermore, the Legal Officer will provide legal advice on HR and administrative matters, administer legal technical assistance, prepare legal opinions on international public law, and guide junior staff. Data analysis for trend identification and reporting is also a component.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience, including legal analysis, research, and writing, is required. Experience in drafting legal opinions, decisions, or judgments is essential. Prior experience with UN sanctions issues and supporting reports for intergovernmental bodies is also required. Experience with the Security Council or its subsidiary organs, and interacting with high-level officials, is desirable.
Skills
Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and writing. Ability to interpret and apply UN instruments and sanctions procedures. Experience in drafting legal opinions and reports. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to conduct interviews and assess evidence. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization. Ability to work collaboratively and manage time effectively.