Legal Intern at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

The internship offers law students and recent law graduates an excellent opportunity to work on and develop their knowledge of the whole range of legal matters that arise in the context of the operations of one of the largest UN organisations in the East Africa region.

The intern will support the Regional Legal Advisor in the performance of all legal functions and will support RBN (Regional Bureau Nairobi) in the delivery of timely and accurate legal guidance to country offices and RBN (Regional Bureau)  units.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in, or about to begin, the final year of an undergraduate law programme (first degree); be currently enrolled in a graduate law programme (second degree, e.g., master’s or JD); or have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate law programme within six months of the deadline for applications. In all cases, candidates must have attended a course within the last 12 months for credit towards the law degree.
• Some experience in international law subjects is desirable.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English is required. Intermediate knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office (in particular, Word, Excel, and Power Point) is required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Legal Advisor, the candidate may perform the following duties:

• Conduct legal research into and assist in interpreting WFP’s regulations and rules and other internal normative sources of law, and public international law, including but not limited to international treaties governing privileges and immunities.
• Prepare legal briefs, opinions, memoranda and correspondence.
• Interpret and apply international treaties and assist in drafting diplomatic communications to the governments of countries in which WFP works. 
• Assist in the drafting, review and negotiation of commercial contracts and agreements with governments, UN agencies, international and national partners and vendors. 
• Study legal questions relating to procurement, shipping, aviation, land transport, insurance, and commercial and contract law. 
• Assist in the preparation, pursuit and negotiation of claims.
• Perform other related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

Leads by Example with Integrity

• Upholds WFP values, principles, and standards - Demonstrates and encourages others to uphold the WFP values, principles and standards.
• Respects others and values diversity - Values diversity using respectful and inclusive language, and encourages others to do the same.
• Stays focused and calm under pressure - Stays focused and calm when under pressure and encourages others to do the same.
• Demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn - Shows humility and a willingness to learn and share knowledge, frequently seeking and acting on feedback, and taking up opportunities to develop.

Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments

• Delivers results for maximum impact - Holds self and/or others accountable for the delivery of results.
• Delegates appropriately - Delivers results against delegated tasks and seeks guidance and support where needed.
• Adapts readily to change - Responds readily to change adjusting work as needed.

Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative

• Is inclusive and collaborative - Promotes inclusive teamwork and psychological safety by sharing ideas and openly raising issues.
• Gives timely and constructive feedback - Supports development for others by giving timely and constructive feedback.
• Builds and shares new perspectives - Listens attentively to others to capture, learn, build and share new perspectives.

Applies Strategic Thinking

• Communicates and fulfils WFP’s vision - Fulfils WFP’s vision and is able to explain how their objectives support the vision.
• Embraces curiosity and new ways of doing things - Demonstrates curiosity, and proposes new ways of doing things when relevant.
• Analyses and evaluates data - Gathers data and shares knowledge to inform team decision making.
• Considers the impact of decisions - Implements decisions and asks questions to understand the impact for wider objectives.