Junior Legal Trainee

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint UN and WTO agency supporting the internationalization of SMEs. Its mission is to foster sustainable and inclusive growth through trade, contributing to UN Global Goals. This UNV assignment is part of the EU-funded project “Timor-Leste: Support to Regional Integration and Trade,” aiming to enhance Timor-Leste's economic integration and trade by supporting its accession to WTO, ASEAN, and the EU-Pacific EPA. The project is implemented in Dili, coordinating with ITC headquarters in Geneva.

Job Purpose

This UNV assignment supports the International Trade Centre's project in Timor-Leste, focused on regional integration and trade. The project aims to boost Timor-Leste's economic integration and trade globally and within Southeast Asia by facilitating its accession to the WTO, ASEAN, and the EU-Pacific EPA. The Junior Legal Trainee will contribute to developing Timor-Leste's economy and private sector through better integration into the multilateral trading system. The role involves supporting the project's objective of promoting economic development and diversification through trade, working within the National Project Office in Dili under the leadership of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs.

Responsibilities

The Junior Legal Trainee will conduct legal research on national legislation, regulations, and international agreements related to trade, regional integration, investment, digital economy, and economic development. This includes assisting in reviewing, compiling, and analyzing legal and policy documents pertinent to Timor-Leste's commitments under ASEAN, WTO, and other frameworks. The trainee will support the preparation of legal research notes, briefing materials, and summaries, and monitor legal and regulatory developments, maintaining updated records. Responsibilities also include assisting in legal gap assessments, comparative analyses against international standards, and reviewing draft legal instruments. Furthermore, the role involves supporting stakeholder consultations, organizing legal knowledge resources, and potentially translating or reviewing legal materials between English, Portuguese, and Tetum.

Work Experience

A minimum of one month of relevant experience is required. Experience in legal research and drafting legal documents is highly desirable. Knowledge of ASEAN and its key legal instruments is also desirable. Proficiency in MS Office tools, particularly MS Word, is required.

Skills

The role requires accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in administration and legal affairs is expected. Proficiency in MS Office, especially MS Word, is necessary.

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