Legal Analyst (open Externally)

Organizational Context

United Nations Volunteers (UNV), hosted and administered by UNDP, provides volunteer solutions across development, humanitarian, and peace/security pillars. The UNDP Office of Legal Services (BMS/OLS) offers legal advice to UNDP and UNV, ensuring mandates are met legally and protecting organizational interests. This role supports BMS/OLS in providing legal services to UNV.

Job Purpose

The Legal Analyst supports the UNDP Office of Legal Services (BMS/OLS) in delivering comprehensive legal services and support to United Nations Volunteers (UNV). This role focuses on a wide array of matters concerning regulations and policies applicable to UN Volunteers and staff, as well as corporate and institutional legal issues. Key contributions include conducting thorough legal research and analysis, preparing draft legal documents and case documentation for review, assisting in case and knowledge management processes, and supporting the development and maintenance of essential legal templates and tools. The position is supervised by a Legal Specialist (P4) and overall by Senior Legal Advisers.

Responsibilities

Provide legal support for administrative law matters, including conducting research, drafting legal notes, and contributing to knowledge management by updating systems and maintaining precedents. Support representation in formal cases involving staff members by preparing draft responses to appeals, assisting with submissions to UN Tribunals, and reviewing disciplinary cases. Offer legal advisory support for UNV policies and procedures, reviewing drafts for consistency and providing preliminary interpretations. Advise on UN Volunteer-related issues, assisting with investigation reports, internal recourse requests, and arbitrations. Provide legal advice on corporate and institutional law matters, researching issues, liaising with clients, and supporting the resolution of claims and disputes arising from agreements and contracts.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience (with a Master's degree) or four years (with a Bachelor's degree) in legal research, analysis, and drafting is required, preferably within an international organization or public sector. Experience applying legal rules to factual scenarios, drafting legal documents, and familiarity with the UN system legal framework are essential. Experience in handling misconduct cases or appeals is desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of applicable UN/UNDP legal framework, legal research and analysis, legal writing and drafting, communication (clear, concise, unambiguous), knowledge generation, and systems thinking.

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