Legal Officer, P3 at United Nations

The UNDT is the first instance tribunal of the internal justice system. The UNDT reviews applications, conducts hearings, issues orders and renders judgments. The UNDT hears and decides cases filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members appealing administrative decisions alleged to be in non-compliance with their terms of appointment or employment contract.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide substantive, technical and administrative support for the adjudication of cases by the UNDT judges;
• Review submissions to the UNDT;
• Draft, review and advise on legal documents and correspondence;
• Support Judges by preparing drafts of facts, procedural information and submissions and gathering background materials, as required, attend meetings and advise on emerging issues and questions, as required;
• Identify issues, draft legal texts and handle a wide range of complex legal matters involving interpretation and application of administrative/employment law;
• Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence;
• Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions;
• Support the Judges in producing accurate, comprehensive judgments, including review of draft judgments for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies and ensuring editorial uniformity prior to dissemination.
• Respond to correspondence/queries from the parties;
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of relevant Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or those of a similar international organization; ability to produce reports and papers on legal and administrative matters; ability to analyze and conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal and administrative issues; ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to review and edit the work of others. Shows pride in work and 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 complex 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 work areas.
• 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.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

Education

• An Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent degree) in administrative, employment or international law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, is required.
• At least one year of experience in administrative or employment/labor law is required.
• Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, legal officer or legal professional in a related field is desirable.
• Experience in litigation in an international or domestic judicial system is desirable.

Languages

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