Legal Officer

Organizational Context

MONUSCO, established in 1999, supports the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in protecting civilians and stabilizing the country. It aims to reduce threats from armed groups and violence, and foster accountable state institutions. The mission also focuses on understanding and addressing serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations, informing policy and decision-making for security force vetting and operational planning.

Job Purpose

This United Nations Volunteer assignment is within the Legal Affairs Office (LAO) of MONUSCO in Kinshasa. The LAO provides essential in-house legal counsel, offering timely and effective advice, services, and representation across all facets of the Mission’s mandate and activities. The UN Volunteer will report to a senior Legal Officer, contributing to the mission's legal framework and operational support. The role is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and supporting the mission's objectives in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

The Legal Officer will assist in preparing and providing legal opinions and advice in French and English on diverse legal matters impacting the Mission, including public international, private, administrative, constitutional, and national law. Key areas of advice include interpreting the Mission’s mandate, legal status of personnel, privileges and immunities, Status of Forces Agreement, operational activities, rules of engagement, international humanitarian and criminal law, and civilian protection. The role also involves advising on administrative, personnel, and contractual issues, accountability, procurement, and third-party claims. Additionally, the officer will draft and review agreements, contracts, and legal documents, participate in negotiations for claims and disputes, conduct legal research, and prepare reports and correspondence.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional legal experience is required, encompassing legal analysis, research, and writing. Desirable experience includes work in privileges and immunities, international humanitarian law, administrative law, arbitration, commercial law, and contract law. Proficiency in drafting legal documents in French is also a mandatory requirement.

Skills

The UN Volunteer must embody the values of Inclusion, Integrity, Humility, and Humanity. Key competencies include Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, and Client Orientation. Expertise in Legal Affairs is essential.

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