Legal Officer P4, LEGC

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. This role is situated within the Legal Office at Headquarters, reporting to the Division Director. The Legal Officer will provide specialized legal advice and services, particularly focusing on private sector partnerships, finance, technology, and data privacy.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer (P4) will provide comprehensive legal advice and representation on complex and sensitive legal matters to protect WFP's interests and minimize liabilities. This role involves independently handling a wide range of multi-disciplinary legal issues, contributing to legal strategy, and developing policies and internal documents. The incumbent will draft and negotiate complex contracts, advise on disputes, and conduct legal research. Key areas of focus include legal support for cash-based transfers, innovative financing, technology, and data privacy, with an expectation to assist on Spanish-language matters, international law, and procurement. The position requires contributing to a diverse and inclusive workplace and may involve supervising and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a legal professional to provide comprehensive legal advice and services, protecting the organization's interests and minimizing liabilities. This role involves independently handling complex legal matters, including interpreting and applying various legal instruments. The position contributes to strategic decision-making for legal issues and is responsible for developing policies, directives, and procedures to establish an appropriate regulatory framework. Key responsibilities include drafting and negotiating intricate contracts, agreements, and other corporate legal documents, particularly in areas such as private sector partnerships, finance, technology, and data privacy. The role also entails advising on and participating in negotiations and settlements of claims and disputes. Extensive legal research, analysis, and the preparation of legal opinions and reports are crucial. The incumbent will serve on various boards and committees, represent WFP at meetings and conferences, and potentially handle complex cases in tribunals. A significant aspect of the role involves building awareness of potential liabilities, proactively minimizing risks, and fostering collaborations with other UN legal offices. The position also requires supervising, coaching, and building the capacity of other staff members, ensuring an equitable and inclusive workplace aligned with WFP's diversity and inclusion framework.

Work Experience

Requires at least eight years of progressively responsible legal experience. This should include work in a law firm, a private-sector legal department with international exposure, or an international organization. Strong expertise in contract and commercial law is essential, with a focus on supporting innovative financing and non-traditional funding mechanisms. Experience with intellectual property, public/private international law, technology law, and procurement law is also beneficial. Fluency in English is required, with intermediate knowledge of another UN official language being desirable.

Skills

Legal Advice, Contract Negotiation, Policy Development, Legal Research, Dispute Resolution, International Law, Procurement Law, Technology Law, Data Protection, Supervision, Mentoring, Spanish Language Proficiency

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