Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Tajikistan. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, the Legal Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Conducts basic research on assigned issues, using existing legal files and alternative sources (e.g. computer-assisted searches using the internet, intranet or other databases); verifies facts, identifies citations, precedents, issues to be addressed, etc., and drafts statements of findings, respondent replies to appeals, etc. for review by Legal Officers. • Assists in the maintenance of a body of legal reference files, both paper and electronic, to ensure rapid retrieval of critical information; conducts reference searches upon request; reviews material and determines appropriate file classification category; identifies material for inclusion in files; coordinates with Archives on retirement, storage and retrieval of files; participates in initiatives to enhance existing systems for records management and retrieval, including development of proposals for consideration. • Reviews, verifies and processes legal instruments, ensuring conformity to relevant guidelines and requirements; extracts key data and update database; monitors requisite follow-up actions, approvals, etc. • Drafts, edits and conducts final check for accuracy of a variety of specialized documentation, legal publications, and related correspondence, e.g. depositary notifications, Proces-verbaux, etc. • Manages individual case files, maintaining and updating detailed “docket sheets” and ensuring that all related correspondence and other documentations are appropriately filed, registered and followed up as necessary. • Independently handles a variety of relatively complex verbal and written inquiries from internal and external parties, including providing detailed information on processes and procedures related to a range of legal activities, instruments, issues, etc. • Services various committees and other meetings, including assisting in the preparation of pre-, in- and post-session documents, preparation of draft of Journal and summaries, notes for the Chairman; establishes log and assigns document identification symbols; coordinates with relevant units; prepares and updates programme of work, delegation and documents lists; tracks status of meetings and monitors follow-up actions, etc. • Provides technical assistance for meetings arrangements and servicing, including operation of the voting machine. • Coordinates ceremonies (e.g. signings, etc.) and related meetings, ensuring timely receipt of legal instruments and other requisite documentation. • Maintains internal databases on cases for tracking and trend analysis; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases, and posting of documents on the website. • Provides general office support services; processes, drafts, edits, proofreads and finalizes for signature/approval a variety of correspondence and other communications, specialized legal documentation; performs budget preparation input monitoring and implementation in IMDIS, etc.; sets up and maintains files/records (electronic and paper); schedules appointments/meetings, monitors deadlines, etc. • Provides guidance and training to less experienced staff. • Performs other ad hoc duties as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of organizational legal framework, relevant legal processes, procedures and terminology for review, examination, preparation and processing of legal documents related to customs and international trade digitalization,. Ability to conduct research using diverse legal research sources (including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other data bases). Ability to review and synthesizes information and present findings and recommendations in a required format. Knowledge of information management, classification and retrieval systems. Ability to show tact and discretion in dealing with high-ranking officials and with confidential matters and materials. 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. • 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. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum seven years of experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, general office support or related area is required. The minimum is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher Experience working in an automated customs environment is desirable. Experience in supporting United Nations or similar international organization technical cooperation programmes is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Russian and Tajik are required. 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).