Legal Consultant

Job Title: Junior Legal Consultant

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 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 (WFP) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Junior Legal Consultant will be assigned to the Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM).

The Legal Consultant may, however, work on assignments in other areas of activity within LEG based on business needs and expressed personal interests.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

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

• Carry out research and support the provision of legal advice and support on a variety of legal matters relating to the procurement of food, goods and services, shipping, aviation, overland transport, logistics, insurance, construction, engineering, office and premises lease contracts, and real estate property;
• Assist in the preparation of legal opinions, reports, memoranda, and other correspondence;
• Draft a variety of legal documents, including legal motions/submissions, manuals policies, agreements and contracts, study legal questions arising out of the interpretation or application of relevant rules, regulations, policies, international conventions and agreements;
• Support in the provision of advice and participate in the preparation, pursuit, negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities;
• Assist Senior Legal Officers in dispute resolution proceedings, including liaising with external counsel where appropriate;
• Assist Senior Legal Officers in providing legal and technical support to mitigate legal risks arising from commodity loss, establish liability and pursue third parties to recover financial damages;
• Contribute towards raising awareness of potential liability exposure and proactive minimization of risk within the Organization;
• Perform other related duties, as required by the Legal Office.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

Advanced university degree in the discipline of law or university degree in the discipline of law with experience and advanced training in private commercial and/or public international law.

Less than one year of relevant experience in law or provision of legal services.

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;
• Knowledge of various legal research sources, techniques and ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments and draft legal papers;
• Business acumen;
• Strong time-management skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

LANGUAGES

Working knowledge (proficiency/Level C) of English; limited knowledge (intermediate/Level B) of another official WFP language i.e., Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The deadline for applications is 12 June 2022.

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

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.