Legal Affairs Officer

Volunteering

Overview

Conduct legal research and advice on international and national law

You have:

• At least 3 years of working experience as legal officer/researcher focused on drafting agreements or similar instruments, contracts, as well as conduct of analysis, preparation of advice and opinions on international law issues, with an emphasis on public international law, including the law of international organizations.
• Bachelor's degree in Law (J.D, LLB or equivalent) is required.
• License to practice as a lawyer would be an asset.
• Fluent in English and French is mandatory.
• Good working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and internet software applications; excellent electronic legal research skills are required.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor and the direct supervision of the Legal Affairs Officer (staff), the UNV volunteer will be responsible for:

• Conducting legal research and analysis about UN rules and regulations (including those concerning claims against the Mission), SC Resolutions, peace agreements and Mission’s compliance with international and national law;

• Advising the Mission vis-à-vis local and government authorities, including on issues relating to UN privileges and immunities, as set out by the relevant UN Conventions and the Status of Forces Agreement;

• Assisting Procurement Section in negotiations on contracts with suppliers of goods and service providers ensuring that contractors respect UN rules and regulations and national laws;

• Advising on, drafting, and/or reviewing drafts of contracts, agreements, communications opinion, minutes, reports, notes, orders, institutional and operational modalities, and other legal documents;

• Conducting comparative legal research on issues of Public International Law including the interpretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments governing Mali, as well as United Nations peace-keeping operations;

• Liaising and coordinating legal research and analysis with other Sections/Units/Divisions, as appropriate;

• Undertaking extensive analysis and research of legislation and jurisprudence relevant to the different legal opinions requested from the Office;

• Serving as member on committees and ad hoc task forces, as appropriate;

• Performing other related duties as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

• Bachelor's degree Degree in Law (J.D, LLB or equivalent).
  • License to practice as a lawyer would be an asset.

Required experience:

36 Months

Experience remark:

• At least 3 years of working experience as legal officer/researcher focused on, drafting agreements or similar instruments, contracts, as well as conduct of analysis, preparation of advice and opinions on international law issues, with an emphasis on public international law, including the law of international organizations.
• Previous work experience in international organizations and/or governmental foreign affairs or related services is desirable.
• Previous experience in developing countries, preferably in a post-conflict situation, as well as knowledge of UN rules, regulations and practices would be an asset.
• Solid legal analytical and drafting skills are required.

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• French(Mandatory), Level - Fluent

Area of expertise:

Public law, International law, Other legal experience

Area of expertise details:

• Good working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet and internet software applications; excellent electronic legal research skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information; excellent communications skills; excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize; adaptability to conditions of hardship/hazard.

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Adaptability and Flexibility, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

* Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool? Please first register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup. Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply.

* Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool? Please first update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call for to which you would like to apply.

Application deadline: 27 October 2020

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org