Application Deadline: March 13, 2021
Posting Title: SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER, P5
Job Code Title: SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER
Department/Office: Office of Legal Affairs
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Job Opening Number: 21-Legal Affairs-OLA-146469-R-New York (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
This position is located in the General Legal Division (GLD) of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), in the Substantial Contracts and Procurement Cluster. The incumbent reports to the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of GLD.
A significant part of the responsibilities of the Senior Legal Officer will be to provide legal advice in support of the activities of the Office of Investment Management (OIM) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The United Nations Secretary-General is responsible for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF. The Secretary-General has delegated this responsibility to the Representative of the Secretary-General for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF (RSG). The RSG is, in turn, assisted in this function by the Office of Investment Management. OIM manages a US$60+ billion multi-asset class, global investment portfolio, about 85% of which is actively managed in-house. Asset classes under management comprise global equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and commodities. OIM’s staff are all based in New York but come from over 30 countries.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority the Senior Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties. In assisting the Director and the Principal Legal Officer(s), GLD, the Senior Legal Officer:
•Works in the area of international commercial law and independently handles a wide range of highly complex, and often sensitive and/or conflicting legal matters involving issues relating to international, public, private commercial and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area.
•Provides advice on all legal aspects of the Fund’s investments and related investment activities, in consultation with OIM, where required, including the negotiation of a wide range of agreements and documents relating to the investment of multiple classes of assets in global public and private markets, as well as associated custody, advisory and other related arrangements.
•Provides legal advice on a wide range of highly complex international investment transactions in sectors such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure.
•Provides legal advice on the interpretation of legal instruments and legislation (as applicable) as well as UN and UNJSPF regulations, rules, and policies.
•Provides advice on all legal aspects of the investments and related investment activities of the United Nations Secretariat, in consultation with UN Treasury, where required, including the negotiation of a wide range of agreements and documents relating to investments and banking, as well as associated custody, advisory and other related arrangements.
•Coordinates with external legal advisors.
•Supervises the work of other legal officers dealing with legal questions related to the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF, the UNU Endowment Fund UN Treasury matters, Substantial Contract and Procurement matters or other matters.
•Provides legal advice on a diverse range of highly complex or novel substantive and procedural questions of law relating to the investment activities of the Fund.
•Organizes and supervises research studies and the preparation of legal opinions, as well as performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence.
•Undertakes the review and drafting and/or supervision of drafting of highly complex or novel contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities, legal submissions, and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. Advises on and supervises the review, negotiations and drafting of legal instruments, documents or submissions required in connection with the resolution of commercial disputes, as well as contracts, agreements, and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances.
•Supervises the defence and pursuit of claims, negotiates settlement of major claims and prepares legal documentation relating to such settlements.
•Provides legal advice to senior officials on the interpretation of legal instruments.
•Serves in various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces of the UNJSPF and/or the UN Secretariat, as required; promotes the work of the United Nations and represents the Organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
•Contributes to the review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, systems, etc.
•Supervises and participates in preparing legal publications of the unit.
•Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
•Professionalism:
In-depth theoretical knowledge of, and extensive experience in, the practical application of international law, global investment procedures and transactions, including international commercial matters and/or the law of international organizations. Extensive knowledge of business law and practice relating to mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, real estate and other commercial transactions. In-depth knowledge of the legal documentation and processes relating to institutional investments in public and private markets. 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 handling legal matters. Knowledge of various contract management resources, strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of investment and contract management issues; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare briefs, opinions, or legal submission/motions, and a variety of legal instruments or related documents. Ability to apply concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft formal documents and work under pressure. Ability to apply discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues and in the context of assignments given. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. 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.
•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.
•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.
Managerial Competencies
•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.
•Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Master’s degree in law with specialization in international investment, banking, commercial law or corporate finance is desirable. Admission to the practice of law in the Member State of the candidate’s nationality or in another Member State of the United Nations is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in commercial (including international commercial law) and/or business law with a focus on investment matters, including legal analysis, research and writing, acquired at a law firm or at the legal department of a global investment institution, government or multilateral development bank, or in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization is required.
Experience in legal aspects of private markets investment transactions (private equity, real estate, infrastructure) through closed-end funds, co-investments, and/or direct investment structures is desirable.
Legal experience with pension funds is desirable.
Experience in working with the status and the privileges and immunities of international organizations 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 UN language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
For application details, visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=146469&Lang=en-US
