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 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. WFP’s Legal Office is made up of three specialized branches, namely: a) the Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA); b) the Contractual and Constitutional Law Branch (LEGC) and c) the Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Legal Consultant will be assigned to the Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA). LEGA requires temporary support in the context of the ongoing recruitment of vacant posts in order to handle a significant workload.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of a Legal Officer, LEGA, the Junior Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following.

• Undertake legal research and analysis on legal issues of a substantive and procedural nature.
• Review a variety of legal documents, including agreements, memoranda of understanding, and contracts to identify relevant legal issues and risks.
• Assist in preparing legal advice on the interpretation and application of WFP’s internal Regulations, Rules, Policies and Procedures as well as applicable conventions, resolutions, and agreements.
• Assist in drafting legal documents including opinions, reports, memoranda, submissions, agreements, and contracts.
• Assist in providing legal support for WFP representation in administrative or tribunal proceedings and arbitration.
• Assist in the preparation of the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes involving WFP and its personnel.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: University degree in the discipline of law.

Experience: At least two years of relevant experience in law or provision of legal services.

Knowledge Skills:

• Legal research, analysis, and drafting skills.
• Articulate and concise thinking.
• Good planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tact and a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

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 18 June 2023.

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.