Legal Affairs Officer- For Internal Candidates Only
Organizational Context
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is a UN agency mandated to assist and protect approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. Its mission is to foster human development pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA provides essential services including education, healthcare, and social services, operating as the largest UN entity in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff.
Job Purpose
This role serves as a Legal Affairs Officer within UNRWA's Jordan Field Office, reporting to the Head of the Field Legal Office. The primary purpose is to provide comprehensive legal support and advice concerning UNRWA's operations in Jordan. This includes preparing legal opinions and official correspondence on administrative matters, human resources, and the privileges and immunities of the Agency and its staff. The position is crucial for ensuring compliance with UNRWA's Area Staff Rules and Regulations, Personnel Directives, and Agency policies. It also involves advising on staff misconduct, disciplinary processes, and administration of justice issues, as well as drafting and reviewing various legal documents and contractual agreements to support field operations.
Responsibilities
The Legal Affairs Officer is responsible for preparing legal opinions and official correspondence on administrative matters, human resources, and the privileges and immunities of the Agency and its staff, ensuring adherence to UNRWA's rules and policies. The role involves providing legal advice and support for staff misconduct cases, disciplinary procedures, and administration of justice matters. Additionally, the officer will draft official correspondence to external entities, contractors, and partners. A key duty is to draft, review, and advise on field-related contractual modalities, memoranda of understanding, lease agreements, legal submissions, and other operational legal documents. The position also requires conducting legal research and analysis on Jordanian and international law, and performing other assigned duties by the supervisor.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant legal experience is required, gained within the United Nations, another international organization, government service, or the commercial/private sector/NGO. Experience in contract or commercial law, or administrative or employment law is essential. An excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic is also mandatory.
Skills
Proficiency in written and spoken English and Arabic. Legal research, analysis, and advisory skills. Drafting legal opinions, correspondence, and contractual documents. Knowledge of Jordanian and international law. Understanding of UNRWA Area Staff Rules and Regulations. Competencies include Relating and Networking, Learning and Researching, Planning and Organizing, Coping with Pressure and Setbacks, and Analyzing.