Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs. The Principal Legal Officer reports to the Director.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Principal Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Division under his/her supervision in connection with the legal activities concerning the progressive development of international law and its codification carried out within the framework of the International Law Commission, Sixth (Legal) Committee of the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs as envisaged in article 13.1(a) of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Department, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.
- Prepares, coordinates and supervises research activities on various complex and topical subjects of international law requiring a wide range of multi-disciplinary approach and understanding of their policy implications, legal publications and documentations for the International L aw Commission, Sixth Committee, special and ad hoc committees.
- Provides substantive servicing to the International Law Commission, Sixth Committee, special and ad hoc committees, assisting the Chair and the Bureau of these bodies with organization, planning and conduct of the meetings, and responds to queries from government delegates in the course of the meetings.
- Coordinates the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, including the organization of training courses and fellowship programmes, as well as the United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law.
- Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Division under his/her responsibility. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the Division, provides substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others; and participates in inter-departmental committees for coordination of the work of the main committees.
- Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance and on substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
- Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
- Assists the Director in preparing the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
- Undertakes or oversees the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
- Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
- Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision.
- Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries.
- Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
- Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic and substantive expertise on an issue or holds programmatic and substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
- Represents the Division at international, regional or national meetings.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Comprehensive and in-depth theoretical knowledge of international law, as well as practical application of legal principles, concepts and policy to a range of legal issues in the area of public international law. In-depth knowledge of the process of progressive development of international law and its codification is essential. Outstanding analytical and drafting skills. Proven ability to design research projects, conduct and supervise such research on a variety of complex and intricate international law issues with special emphasis on areas relevant to progressive development and codification of international law. Demonstrated ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of legal briefs and studies on multi-dimensional, complex and sensitive legal issues and instruments under negotiation.. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.
- 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. Managerial Competencies
- Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
- Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, with focus on public international law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A doctorate with a published thesis in public international law is highly desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible work experience in public international law with emphasis on its progressive development and codification, including several years at the international level, is required. Work experience providing substantive support to governmental or intergovernmental bodies in connection with public international law is desirable. Work experience supervising an office, unit or section, or comparable leadership position, is desirable. Work experience with policies, procedures and operations of the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. Having published on topics related to public international law is desirable. Work experience in organizing international law training courses or seminars is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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