About Office of Legal Affairs

Office of Legal Affairsis part of the United Nations system, working to promote international cooperation and address global challenges. As a UN entity, it contributes to the organization’s mission of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting international cooperation in solving international problems and encouraging respect for human rights.

Job Summary

This SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening), P5 position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact within Office of Legal Affairs’s work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Based in United States, you will contribute your expertise to advance the organization’s mission and support international cooperation on critical global challenges. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural environment while contributing to meaningful outcomes that benefit communities worldwide.

Key Details

• Job Title:SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening), P5
• Grade:P-5
• Location:New York, United States
• Department:Office of Legal Affairs
• Contract Type:Temporary Assignment
• Salary Range:$101,540.0 – $124,450.0 USD annually

Qualifications

• 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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admission to the practice of law, or otherwise qualified to practice law, in a Member State of the United Nations is required.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For th is job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Desirable Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, obtained in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization, or legal office of a government or a law firm, including experience in legal analys is, research and writing is required. Experience in administrative law and litigation is required. Experience in supervising and guiding the work of junior legal officers, and in advising senior officials independently and on short notice, is required. Experience in the provision of legal advice, gained in the legal office of a United Nations System organisation or comparable international organization, is desirable.

Skills

• Professionalism: In-depth theoretical knowledge of, and extensive experience in the practice of international law, including in particular the administrative law of international organizations. Excellent analytical, negotiating and drafting skills, including ability to deliver final drafts of legal opinions and briefs on complex matters under time pressure. Thorough knowledge of the UN system, organization and interrelationships. Ability to explain and defend complex issues and positions to senior officials. 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; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and draft legal texts clearly and precisely is required. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; and shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Inclusive and collaborative work environment

How to Apply