Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office of the Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The incumbent reports to a Senior Legal Officer.
Responsibilities
In the area of concentration and within the limits of delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Serves as an expert in one or more areas of concentration, and independently handles a wide range of multi-disciplinary and complex legal matters involving issues of public international law, including the interpretation and application of the Charter of the United Nations and the law and practice of the Organization. • Provides legal advice on diverse and complex substantive and procedural questions of public international law. • Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence. • Reviews, advises on, drafts and negotiates complex agreements and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. • Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the United Nations (UN) and represents the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. • Coordinates and direct teams of junior legal officers dealing with significant problems, as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior legal officers on specific projects. • Contributes to the review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policies, guidelines, etc. • Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of public international law, in particular in relation to the interpretation and application of the Charter of the United Nations and the institutional and procedural law of the Organization. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal opinions and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system organizations and their interrelationships. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public international law. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in public international law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in public international law, including legal analysis, research and writing including at least two years of service with the legal office of a government department or ministry or of the secretariat of an international organization, is required. Experience in professional legal work relating to the preparation and negotiation of international agreements is desirable. Experience in professional legal work relating to international law governing privileges and immunities of international organizations is desirable. Experience in professional legal work relating to procedural and institutional issues within an international organization is desirable. At least two years of professional experience working with the UN or a related intergovernmental organization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Desirable Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
