Applications Deadline: March 7, 2021
Posting Title: Legal Officer, P3
Job Code Title: LEGAL OFFICER
Department/Office: Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Office of Human Resources
Duty Station: NEW YORK; NEW YORK;
Job Opening Number: 21-Legal Affairs-DMSPC OHR-147771-R-New York (R)
Staffing Exercise N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
This position is located in the New York office of the Appeals and Accountability Section of the Administrative Law Division (ALD), Office of Human Resources in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance.
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.
The incumbent reports to the Chief, Disciplinary Team.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Disciplinary Team, Appeals and Accountability Section (AAS), the Legal Officer is responsible for the following duties:
•Handling of disciplinary matters.
•Provides advice on the handling of disciplinary matters and prepares the related documentation. To this end, the incumbent conducts research and analysis of the UN Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions, judgements of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal, the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, the United Nations Appeals Tribunal and judgements of other international administrative tribunals, Staff Regulations and Rules, and administrative issuances.
•Undertakes basic or extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc.
•Represents the Secretary-General in written and oral proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal relating to disciplinary cases.
•Ensures that submissions before the Dispute Tribunal meet procedural requirements of the Tribunal and are consistent with the principles of administrative law applicable to the Organization.
•Provides legal advice on human resources and administrative matters, with a view to facilitating early resolution of disputes.
•Assists in maintaining the Section’s registers and databases (electronic and on-line) and perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of relevant United Nations Regulations and Rules, as well as of applicable jurisprudence. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of issues and problems and to develop innovative and creative solutions. Strong analytical skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, legal and administrative issues; ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. 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
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in international law is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies 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 these five years, two years must be in litigation at the national or international level and must include first-hand experience appearing and leading evidence of witnesses before a court or tribunal or equivalent administrative board or bodies.
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. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations 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 are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance 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=147771&Lang=en-US
