Legal Officer, P3 at United Nations

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Nairobi office of the Appeals and Accountability Section of the Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance.

The Division is in charge of the implementation of the United Nations (UN) standards of conduct for all categories of personnel across the UN Secretariat. ALD provides strategic and legal advice on internal justice matters and represent the Secretary-General before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal. ALD handles disciplinary matters relating to Secretariat staff members, oversees and coordinates efforts and actions to prevent and respond to unsatisfactory conduct, and works to empower and support UN Secretariat managers in the exercise of their responsibilities to address conduct and discipline matters.

The incumbent reports to the P-4 team lead in the Nairobi office.

Responsibilities

1. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section, the Legal Officer represents the Secretary-General in written and oral proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and may be responsible for the following duties:
2. Handles a range of issues related to international, public, private and administrative law, including the interpretation and application of constitutive, legislative and other instruments governing United Nations activities and operations.
3. Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare studies, comparative studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
4. Undertakes basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc.
5. Prepares or assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, legislative texts and commentaries on those texts.
6. Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of international public or private law issues, including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions involving constitutional and administrative law of the Organization.
7. Prepares or assists in the preparation of agreements and the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes in the context of the administration of justice matters.
8. Assesses evidence for relevance and admissibility.
9. Prepares and assesses briefs of evidence.
10. Provides legal advice on human resources matters; reviews administrative matters.
11. Performs other duties as 

Competencies

1. Professionalism: Knowledge of law (preferably administrative and employment or labor law), coupled with the ability to apply legal principles, concepts and policies in the context of litigation of a range of legal issues; Knowledge of the jurisprudence of the UN Dispute Tribunal, the UN Appeals Tribunal, the UN Administrative Tribunal and/or a comparable body; Ability to exercise sound judgement and handle confidential material with discretion, and analyze and research a range of complex legal issues within tight deadlines. 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.
2. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
3. Planning & 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

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible legal experience is required.
• Of these five years, two years must be in litigation at the national or international level and must include first-hand experience in appearing and leading the evidence of witnesses before a court or tribunal or equivalent administrative board and bodies.
• Experience at the national or international level in administrative and employment or labour law is desirable.
• Experience with staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations of the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This post is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.