Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP personnel are united by a common purpose: to help countries and communities across the world pursue peaceful, prosperous lives, lived in harmony with the planet. The Office of Legal Services in the Bureau for Management Services (BMS/OLS) provides strategic legal services of the highest standard to UNDP, UNCDF and UN Volunteers, giving pragmatic and timely legal advice that enables the right people to make good decisions.
Position Purpose:
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Legal Advisor, Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice (C+I), the Legal Assistant provides high-level and administrative and paralegal support to Legal Advisers and Specialists in C+I.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvides high-level and administrative and paralegal support to Legal Advisers and Specialists in C+I
Reporting to the Senior Legal Adviser and Head of C+I, the Legal Assistant provides general office support including processing, drafting, editing, proofreading, and finalizing for signature/approval a variety of correspondence and/or specialized legal documentation.Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date log of matters handled by C+I, and knowledge management system, working closely with the Senior Legal Adviser on the knowledge content, and to make improvements to such systems, and prepare data and analytics based on such systems:
Monitor log and bring any overlaps or gaps to the attention of the Senior Legal Adviser.Provide administrative support, including purchasing, recruitment, budget administration and payments, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Setting up and maintaining electronic and hardcopy files including retirement, storage and retrieval as appropriate. Schedule appointments and meetings, prepare documents and monitor deadlines. Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.Handle a variety of verbal and written inquiries from internal and external parties, including providing detailed information on processes and procedures related to legal instruments, issues, etc.
Conduct basic research on assigned matters using existing various sources of information, including UN/UNDP databases, the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures, legal files and/or alternative sources; verify facts, identify citations, percentages, accuracy of figures.
Maintains internal databases on cases for logging, tracking, and trend analysis and knowledge management, maintenance of the C&I information on the OLS intranet. Competencies
Core: CoreBehaviouralCompetencies.pdf (undp.org)
Achieve Results:
Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlineThink Innovatively:
Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.Learn Continuously
Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.Adapt with Agility
Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.Act with Determination
Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.Engage and Partner
Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.Enable Diversity and Inclusion
Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Administration and Operations - Priority Setting
Ability to scan and synthesize diverse sets of information to arrive at administrative priorities and recommendations.Administration and Operations - Documents and Record Management
Overall record management (electronic or hard); registry and retention policy including storing and archiving.Technical - Legal (General)
Knowledge of legal issues facing the UNDP and ability to apply them to practical situations.Effectiveness - Quality Assurance
Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to ensure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilledGeneral - Office Administration
Ability to manage day-to-day office activities (including travel management, facilities and asset management, policy and procedures maintenance) to meet operational needs.Partnership - Team Building
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals.Partnership - Communication
Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable:
Working knowledge of another UN language desirable Paralegal Certificate is an advantage. Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.