Legal Officer, P-3

UN OHCHR - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Programme Support and Management Service at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva. The incumbent will be under the general supervision of the Chief, Programme Support and Management Services, and the direct supervision of the Chief, Legal Support Section.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section, and within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Provides legal advice on diverse matters and procedural questions of considerable complexity relating to staff administration, policy frameworks, legal contracts, administration of justice, and liaising with parties involved.
Provides legal advice on human resources and administrative law matters, with a view to facilitating early resolution of disputes, including where necessary, providing analysis and recommendations on next steps as part of overall case management strategies and tactics.
Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare studies, comparative 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, etc.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of international public or private law issues, including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions involving, inter alia, issues relating to privileges and immunities, peace and security, criminal prosecutions, institutional questions, treaty law and practice, procedural issues arising during meetings of United Nations organs, constitutional and administrative law of the Organization.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of agreements and contracts with governments, NGOs and other public and private entities, as well as in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes.
Reviews, advises on legal motions/submissions.
Assesses evidence for relevance and admissibility.
Prepares and assesses briefs of evidence.
Assists in representing the Organization before arbitral and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases; in Tribunals, acts on behalf of the Prosecutor as junior co-counsel in proceedings before Trial or Appeal Chambers.
Provides legal advice on human resources matters; reviews administrative matters.
Provides guidance to more junior staff.
Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of administrative/employment law, 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
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 international law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Two years of experience at the international level, preferably in an international public organization, is desirable. Experience in handling administrative law matters is desirable. Experience with informal resolution and mediation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language an advantage

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