Legal Consultant

Legal Consultant - LEGM

Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the winner of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

ROLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Legal Officer will be assigned to the Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM).

DESCRIPTION AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, Head of LEGM, the Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide comprehensive and timely advice on a variety of complex legal matters relating to construction and engineering Law, office and premises lease contracts, law of real estate property including land, insurance, commercial and contract law;
• Provide advice and participate in the preparation, pursuit, negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities.
• Conduct/engage in litigation proceedings, including liaising with external counsel where appropriate.
• Prepare legal opinions, reports, memoranda and other correspondence;
• Draft and/or review a variety of legal documents, including legal motions/submissions, manuals, policies, guidelines, procedures, agreements and contracts;
• Study legal issues arising out of the interpretation or application of relevant rules, policies, laws, international conventions and agreements;
• Provide legal interpretation on a full range of issues regarding WFP’s various internal Regulations, Rules and Policies, including the General Regulations, Financial Regulations, Rules, Circulars and Directives;
• Provide advice to country offices, HQ units on a wide variety of issues;
• Facilitate awareness of potential liability exposure and proactive minimization of risk within the organization;
• Perform other related duties (like facilitating training sessions for other Units or Divisions), as required by the Legal Office.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

Advanced University degree in the discipline of law or University degree in the discipline of law with experience and advanced training in private commercial law, construction / engineering law and real estate property law.

Experience

At least 5 years (of which a minimum of 3 years in an international context) of relevant experience in the area of construction / engineering law (including expertise and practice of FIDIC contracts) and real estate property law (including Italian law).

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of and ability to apply legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination and processing of a range of legal documents;
• Demonstrated ability to draft complex legal documents that are clear, concise and adapted to context;
• In-depth knowledge of various legal research sources, techniques and ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments and draft legal papers;
• Strong negotiation skills and problem-solving approach;
• Independent decision-making skills;
• Ability to think strategically;
• Business acumen and ability to think strategically;
• Strong time-management and priorities management skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• High standards of ethics and values.

Languages

• Working knowledge (written and oral proficiency/Level C) of English and Italian is required;
• knowledge (intermediate/Level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese or Russian) is an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• 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.

• 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.

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate 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.

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

Deadline for applications: 12 April 2021

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.