Legal Officer at United Nations

Responsibilities
The Legal Officer is responsible for the following duties:

•  Handles disciplinary matters from field operations, particularly MONUSCO, and a range of issues related to international, public, national, administrative law, including the interpretation and application of in that area of concentration, in consultation with senior Legal Officers.
•  Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
•  Undertakes basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc.
•  Prepares or assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, legislative texts and commentaries on those texts, teaching materials in the field of international trade law and private international law, etc.
•  Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal submissions/motions as necessary in the course of investigations and prosecutions.
•  Assesses evidence for relevance and admissibility.
•  Prepares and assesses briefs of evidence.
•  Services or assists senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences, commissions, committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting reports, etc.
•  Represents or assists in representing the Organization before arbitral and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases.
•  Provides legal advice on human resources matters, reviews administrative matters.
•  Provides guidance to more junior staff.
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

•  Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop, and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. 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.
•  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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
•  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

• 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 relevant 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 the five years, two years of experience in litigation at the national or international level and first-hand experience appearing and leading evidence of witnesses before a court, tribunal, or equivalent administrative boards or bodies is required.
• Experience in handling disciplinary matters in national or international entities is desirable.
• Experience with staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations of the United Nations or other similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

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