Legal Consultant

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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy*, and will primarily address legal aspects of cash programming and transfers, field operation support, data protection and data sharing. The Legal Consultant may, however, work on assignments in other areas of activity within LEG based on business needs and expressed personal interests. The Legal Consultant will be assigned to the Contractual and Constitutional Law Branch (LEGC).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of a Legal Officer, the Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Undertake extensive legal research and analysis; handle a range of multi-disciplinary complex legal matters including interpretation and application of various legal instruments in the relevant area of concentration to facilitate the provision of quality legal services.
• Review legal documents, identify and analyze important issues, presenting findings and recommendations for internal review to contribute to the decision-making process.
• Prepare or assist in preparation of legal opinions or advice on a wide range of legal issues background papers, studies, memoranda, reports and other legal documents.

• Negotiate and prepare agreements and contracts with public and private entities including governments, other UN organisations and NGOs, financial institutions, digital payments providers and other commercial entities, and assisting with contractual interpretation and disputes to meet unique client needs.

• Identify potential liabilities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties, and assist in the management of risks in WFP’s activities to facilitate well-informed decisions.

• Participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities.
• Prepare and assess briefs of evidence to contribute to legal analysis and solutions.
• Assist in providing legal advice and interpretations and reviewing administrative decisions.
• Service and/or assist senior Legal Officers in servicing committees, task forces, expert working groups and other bodies with legal advice and preparation/review of legal documents to contribute to the formulation of WFP’s position.
• Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.

RESULTS EXPECTED

1. Articulate and concise thinking and drafting.
2. Comprehensive research.
3. Timely preparation of sound written analysis of a variety of legal issues pertaining to commercial international, contract and constitutional law.
4. Application of specialised expertise in preparing legal advice, which is easily understandable to staff members not trained in the field of law.
5. Development of new methods or improvements for self and immediate team to address work challenges within own work area.
6. Demonstrated ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law in Law with additional relevant experience and training (preferably with specialisation in commercial law, finance and banking law, or public law). At least six years of relevant professional experience as a lawyer in a law firm, in a private-sector legal department with international exposure or in an international organisation in the area of finance and commercial law.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Technical knowledge of, and experience in, finance and commercial law and demonstrated ability to draft contracts ad-hoc that are appropriate to contractual counterparty and context.
• Solution oriented and proactive with excellent communication skills and commercial acumen.
• Adaptability and ability to work on a wide range of legal issues.
• Strong time management and priorities management skills.
• Experience and/or knowledge of intellectual property law, technology law and data protection law is an asset.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is a plus.

LANGUAGES

Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required and in oral and written French is an advantage. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The deadline for applications is 16 February 2021.

Long Description

* Due to existing COVID-19 circumstances, teleworking from country of origin/residence may be needed.

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Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.