Legal Consultant
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building peace through food assistance. WFP operates globally, assisting people affected by conflict, disasters, and climate shocks. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and professional development, offering a dynamic work environment with a commitment to its humanitarian mandate.
Job Purpose
The Legal Consultant will be assigned to the Contractual and Constitutional Law Branch (LEGC) within WFP's Legal Office. This role involves providing comprehensive legal advice and support on a diverse range of matters, with a particular focus on private-sector partnerships. Key responsibilities include conducting in-depth legal research and analysis, reviewing complex legal documents, and preparing legal opinions. The consultant will also be involved in negotiating and drafting agreements with various public and private entities, identifying potential liabilities, and assisting in risk management. This position requires strong analytical skills, adaptability, and the ability to contribute to the formulation of WFP's legal positions on a variety of institutional, operational, and corporate issues.
Responsibilities
The Legal Consultant's primary responsibilities involve conducting extensive legal research and analysis on complex, multi-disciplinary legal matters, including the interpretation and application of various legal instruments. This role requires reviewing legal documents, identifying critical issues, and presenting findings and recommendations to support decision-making processes. The consultant will prepare legal opinions, advice, background papers, studies, and reports. A key duty includes negotiating and drafting agreements and contracts with diverse public and private entities, such as governments, UN organizations, NGOs, financial institutions, and commercial partners, while also assisting with contractual interpretation and dispute resolution. The position also entails identifying potential liabilities and managing risks associated with WFP's activities to ensure informed decisions. Furthermore, the consultant will prepare and assess briefs of evidence, provide legal advice to committees and working groups, and ensure gender perspectives are integrated into all work. Adaptability, strong legal drafting skills, thorough research capabilities, and the ability to provide practical, easily understood legal advice are essential competencies for this role.
Work Experience
Requires at least three years of relevant professional experience as a lawyer. This experience should be in a law firm, a private-sector legal department with international exposure, or an international organization, specifically in finance and commercial law. Familiarity with UN system policies, rules, regulations, and procedures is considered a plus.
Skills
Legal research and analysis, Legal drafting, Contract negotiation and preparation, Legal risk management, Advising on international and commercial law, Problem-solving, Communication, Adaptability, Project management