Back Associate Legal Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Conference Support Section (CSS), Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch (OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Vienna, Austria. The Associate Legal Officer will work under the direct supervision and substantive guidance of a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief, CSS/OCB/DTA. For more information on UNODC, please visit www.unodc.org. ResponsibilitiesThe incumbent will provide legal support and/or assistance in backstopping, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of projects and activities under UNODC “Global Programme on Implementing the Organized Crime Convention: From Theory to Practice”, with a focus on legislative assistance on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). Within assigned authority, the Associate Legal Officer will perform the following specific duties: • Serve as focal point for the SHERLOC Knowledge Management Portal and assist in coordinating all operational aspects of the work of the cross-divisional SHERLOC team. • Assist in legal research, analysis and uploading of legislation and other data on the implementation of UNTOC (incl. information emanating from the Review Mechanism) to the databases of SHERLOC and ensure its accuracy. • Liaise on substantive and technical SHERLOC-related matters with national counterparts, UN focal points and entities, civil society and academia contributors and other relevant counterparts. • Assist in coordinating the substantive development and maintenance of SHERLOC as a whole and liaise with ITS (Information Technology Service) to that end. • Assist in the development and dissemination of tools related to the implementation of UNTOC, such as legislative guides, issue papers, case digests, model legislative provisions and others. • Assist in the servicing of the intergovernmental Working Group of Government Experts on Technical Assistance and its Constructive Dialogue. • Support in the development and dissemination of technical assistance tools pertaining to organized crime, in particular organized fraud, crimes that affect the environment and falsified medical products related crime. This includes gap analysis, identification of technical assistance needs, preparing training materials, identifying and liaising with participants and experts etc. • Support the implementation of the observations emanating from the Mechanism for the Review of the Implementation of UNTOC, in close coordination with relevant UNODC sections. • Participate in and conduct field missions to deliver technical assistance and planning and carrying out appropriate follow-up activities. • Support the coordination with relevant internal and external partners in the provision of legislative advice in the implementation of UNTOC, including its applicability to various forms of organized crime, with a particular focus on the UNODC hubs on organized crime, including in West Africa, both Anglophone and Francophone countries, South-East Asia and the Pacific. • Provide pre-accession/ratification support to non-parties to UNTOC. • Compile background information and documentation on the implementation of resolutions and international treaties, with a special focus on UNTOC, including its applicability to various forms of organized crime such as organized fraud, crimes that affect the environment and falsified medical products related crimes, as appropriate. • Prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background paper, presentations, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to crime prevention and organized crime including legal aspects, technical cooperation and/or educational matters. Has knowledge of policies and practices in organized crime prevention as well as the mandates of UNODC in this area. Is able to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of relevant topics. Is able to review, examine, and process a range of documents including legal documents. Is able to interpret, develop and present results and formulate conclusions, recommendations and opinions clearly and concisely. Is able to evaluate, identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues. Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Is able to apply judgment in the context of the assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal justice, or closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P). Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of professional work experience in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice with a focus on organized crime and legal analysis, OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Experience in dealing with issues related to crimes that affect the environment is desirable. Experience in dealing with issues related to falsified medical products is desirable. Experience in supporting the development legislative assistance tools on combating organized crime is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations System and/or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised fluency in English and knowledge of French are required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeThis is a project post. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds and budgetary approval. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. 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. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. Vienna is classified in the H category (family duty station). United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.