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.

Job Title: Legal Consultant

Type of Contract: Regular Consultant, Level II

Division: LEG

Duty Station (City, Country): Rome, Italy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

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

We are seeking to fill a Legal Consultant position located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy. However, remote working from the Permanent Place of Residence could be considered for this position. The role will be diverse and will primarily involve giving legal advice and working on a range of data protection and general commercial and transactional matters. 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 Senior Legal Officer, the Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

1. Undertake extensive legal research and analysis; handle a wide 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 comprehensive legal services.
2. Review legal documents, identify important issues, similarities and inconsistencies and presenting findings and recommendations for internal review to facilitate to the decision-making process.
3. 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 to contribute to coherence and quality of legal documents.
4. Prepare and/or review agreements and contracts with public and private entities including participation in negotiation and settlement of claims disputes to meet unique client needs.
5. 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.
6. Prepare and assess briefs of evidence and draw recommendations to facilitate legal analysis and solutions.
7. Assist in providing legal advice and interpretations and reviewing administrative decisions including assisting in representing WFP in tribunals or administrative proceedings.
8. 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.
9. Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.
10. Other, as required.

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 privacy and data protection, 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 QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training (preferably with specialisation in privacy and data protection law or commercial and technology law).

Work Experience: At least 7 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.

Knowledge Skills:

• Technical knowledge of, and experience in privacy and data protection law and commercial law.
• 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 and technology law, as well as an understanding of IT systems and their connection to data collection and processing, 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. 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 25 September 2022.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.