Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Critical Incident Response Section (CIRS) in the Disciplinary Accountability Service (DAS), Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section. 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.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, CIRS, the Legal Officer is responsible for the following duties:
- Serves as a lead officer handling critical incidents, application and enforcement of the Organization's standards of conduct, and sexual exploitation and abuse cases. The Legal Officer independently handles a wide range of multi-discipline and complex legal matters involving issues of international, public, national and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area of concentration;
- Provides legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to administration and management, peacekeeping and other operational matters, separately administered programmes and funds, criminal investigations and prosecutions, etc.;
- Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, indictments and correspondence; provides legal advice to the division.
- Prepares legal submissions/motions as necessary in the course of investigations and prosecutions;
- Services 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.;
- Reviews, advises on and drafts complex legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances;
- Advises on and participates in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes, or pleas of guilty, to include establishing strategy and approach, deciding on the legal text for terms and conditions of contracts, on the recommendations on the merit of claims, etc.;
- Provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of staff regulations and rules, including the review of administrative decisions; prepares draft amendments to the staff regulations and rules; prepares draft administrative issuances or amendments thereto and verifies their consistency with the existing staff regulation and rules; prepares analyses and evaluations of human resources policies and practices in consultation with the Human Resources Policy Section of OHR;
- Represents the organization on more complex cases before arbitral and other tribunal or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases;
- Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the United Nations and represents the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.;
- Coordinates and direct teams of other legal officers dealing with significant problems as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior officers on specific projects. Contributes to review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, etc.;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including criminal law, both substantive and procedural. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in prosecuting complex criminal cases. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, indictments or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Ability to lead and cross-examine witnesses and make substantial legal arguments before Chambers of judges, or if required to take responsibility for the prosecution of criminal trials. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
- Planning and 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 an advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible legal experience is required. Two years of experience in litigation at the national or international level including first-hand experience in appearing and leading the evidence of witnesses before a court or tribunal or equivalent administrative board and 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 the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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