Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Legal Team of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC). The Legal Officer will be based in Bogota, and will report to the Senior Legal Officer. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision and overall coordination of the Senior Legal Officer and within the limits of delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: - Provides and assists in the provision of legal advice on a wide range of legal matters involving issues of international, public, private, and administrative law, including the interpretation and application of constitutive, legislative and other instruments governing United Nations activities and operations. - Prepares and assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions, which may include those related to administration and management, institutions support and other operational activities and separately administered programmes and funds. - Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence. - Undertakes review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc. - Handles and assists in the provision of legal advice on a wide range of issues relating to special political missions and other operations in the field, including contribution agreements, XBs and other collaborative arrangements with Member States, other international organizations, members of the United Nations system and external actors, administrative and management issues, including personnel administration and entitlements, conduct and discipline and United Nations compensation schemes, commercial issues, including commercial contracts, disputes and insurance arrangements, United Nations investigations, Boards of Inquiry and third party claims. - Reviews, advises on and drafts complex contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities and other legal documents and advises on and participates in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes; - Provides legal advice on the interpretation and application of financial and staff regulations and rules, including the review of administrative decisions and the drafting of administrative issuances. - Assists senior colleagues in servicing diplomatic conferences, commissions, committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and, meeting reports. - Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required. - Performs other duties as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures, and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and the ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop, and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and court submissions. Ability to work under high pressure in a sensitive political environment. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. 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 the 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationAn 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 the required work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience in dealing with issues related to the operational activities of United Nations, or other nternational organizations' peace or other operations in the field is required. Experience working in a law firm or in an international organization or in governmental service dealing with matters of international law is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish 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).
This vacancy is archived.