Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization to promote international co-operation. A replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, the organization was established on 24 October 1945

Responsibilities or duties

Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide legal assistance to the persons included in the scope of the administration of justice as defined by General Assembly resolution 63/253 on 'Administration of Justice in the United Nations;
• Advise clients on issues relating to appeals against administrative decisions and the imposition of disciplinary matters;
• Represent and litigate on behalf of clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal; Prepare written and oral submissions to these bodies and ensure that they meet procedural requirements;
• Identify, where applicable, cases that are amenable to informal resolution, such as settlement or mediation and assist clients in the process;
• Assist in responding to complex inquiries and correspondence; Identify legal issues, drafts review and advise on legal documents and correspondence; Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence;
• Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions;
• Assist the Office in producing accurate, comprehensive submissions, including by reviewing draft submissions for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies;
• Assist in maintaining the Office's registers (electronic and online) and a legal precedent reporting database;
• Assist in the preparation of reports on the work of the Office to the General Assembly and other bodies, as may be mandated;
• Assist in ensuring administrative and budgetary requirements of the Nairobi office or other relevant OSLA duty station;
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience needed

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required.

Two years of litigation experience at the national or international level including first-hand experience in appearing and leading the evidence of witnesses before a court or tribunal is required.

Experience within the UN common system or other similar international organizations is desirable.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

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• Provide legal assistance to the persons included in the scope of the administration of justice as defined by General Assembly resolution 63/253 on 'Administration of Justice in the United Nations;
• Advise clients on issues relating to appeals against administrative decisions and the imposition of disciplinary matters;
• Represent and litigate on behalf of clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal; Prepare written and oral submissions to these bodies and ensure that they meet procedural requirements;
• Identify, where applicable, cases that are amenable to informal resolution, such as settlement or mediation and assist clients in the process;
• Assist in responding to complex inquiries and correspondence; Identify legal issues, drafts review and advise on legal documents and correspondence; Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence;
• Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions;
• Assist the Office in producing accurate, comprehensive submissions, including by reviewing draft submissions for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies;
• Assist in maintaining the Office's registers (electronic and online) and a legal precedent reporting database;
• Assist in the preparation of reports on the work of the Office to the General Assembly and other bodies, as may be mandated;
• Assist in ensuring administrative and budgetary requirements of the Nairobi office or other relevant OSLA duty station;
• Perform other duties as required.

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.