Associate Legal Officer
Conduct legal research and provide support on human rights issues
Overview
Conduct legal research and provide support on human rights issues
You have:
- Conducts legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international law and other area(s) of specialization using multiple research sources.
- Assists Legal Officers in the review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities and inconsistencies.
- Assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, etc.
- Assists in providing legal advice on human rights matters.
- Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
- Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
This announcement broadcasts international assignment with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Human Rights Inquiries Branch, Geneva.
The duration of your assignment is six months.
UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Branch, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Associate Legal Officer (UNV) will be responsible for the following duties:
• Conducts legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international law and other area(s) of specialization using multiple research sources; selects relevant material, analyzes information and presents findings for internal review. • Assists Legal Officers in the review of legal documents, instruments, or other material; identifies important issues, similarities and inconsistencies, etc. • Assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, etc. • Assesses the relevance or admissibility of evidence gathered by investigators. • Assists in the preparation of agreements and contracts with governments, NGOs and other public and private entities, as well as claims and disputes. • Assists in providing legal advice on human rights matters. • Assists in administering programmes of legal technical assistance. • Assists Legal Officers in servicing investigative bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues, etc. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as assigned.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Results/Expected Outputs: • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
• Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and proce-dures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal docu-ments. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to inter-pret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates ap-propriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
The UN Volunteer will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, there are no direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to comply with immigration, customs and health requirements while entering/exiting the country. The incumbent is responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation. Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis with modern amenities, cultural attractions, public transportation restaurants, and nightlife.
UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:
Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2099.47 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance
Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days
Potential interview questions
| Tell me about a time you conducted legal research and how you presented your findings. | This question assesses your legal research skills and your ability to communicate effectively. | Discuss a specific case or project, detailing your research approach and the presentation of your findings. |
| Describe a situation where you had to assist in drafting legal documents under tight deadlines. | This question focuses on your ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you've applied legal principles to a real-world issue? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure the accuracy and relevance of your legal research? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have with data analysis in a legal context? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |