Legal Affairs Officer

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.

• Conducted, legal research, analysis, including in the field of UN rules and regulations, SC Resolutions, peace agreements, Mission’s compliance with international and national law including in the field of international/comparative law, interpretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments governing Mali, rules and international law and regulations governing United Nations peace-keeping operations, and prepare legal opinions for the units/sections/departments and Senior Management as required.
• Effective, sound and accurate legal advice, analysis and assistance to the SLA and “external clients” is provided. • A significant direct contribution to the efficient and effective functioning of the Legal Affairs Office and an important indirect contribution to overall objectives of the UN Mission in Mali

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor and the direct supervision of the Legal Affairs Officer, 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 is-sues relating to UN privileges and immunities, as set out by the relevant UN Conventions and the Status of Forces Agreement; • Translating legal documents as requested by the Legal Affairs Office • 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; • Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peacebuilding and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Promote and/or advise CSO’s and Citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant - groups to use OV whenever – technically possible; • Performing other related duties as required;

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work in-dependently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities

• At least 3 years of working experience as legal officer, paralegal, researcher focused on legal analysis, research, drafting agreements or similar instruments, contracts, preparation of advice and opinions on international law issues, is required • Solid legal analytical and drafting skills are required. • Emphasis on public international law, including the law of international organizations is an asset. • Previous work experience in international organizations and/or governmental foreign affairs or related services is desirable. • Field experience in developing countries, and/ or complex environment is desirable, • Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information; excellent communications skills; excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize; adaptability to conditions of hardship/hazard. • 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.

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 545 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.