Legal Officer P4 - Rome, Italy

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

Are you a seasoned Legal professional interested in further developing your professional experience while contributing to ending global hunger? Are you passionate about helping those in need? Would you like to join a global organisation investing in its people?

If so, an exciting & fulfilling career awaits you! Join our diverse and passionate team that works on varied and international projects directly contributing to saving & changing millions of lives around the globe.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, 14 June 2023 (11:59 PM CET).

WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: UN World Food Programme (WFP) and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

WHY JOIN US?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse and multicultural working environment
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of trainings, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section)

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). The Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM) provides legal advice to WFP organisational units at Headquarters, Regional Bureaux, and Country Offices in matters arising in connection with the Programme’s supply chain activities, including procurement (Food, Goods & Services), shipping, aviation, and logistics (cargo handling and stevedoring, storage and warehousing, overland transport, UNHRD). LEGM Branch also handles all matters pertaining to Office Lease, Warehouse Lease, Facilities, Construction and Engineering.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, Chief of LEGM, the P4 Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serve as a lead officer and handle legal matters in the relevant areas of concentration (i.e. chartering, shipping, aviation, land transport, logistics, insurance, procurement including international trade of food commodities, commercial and contractual law) and participate in the supervision, coaching and building of capacity of others;
• Conduct and engage in a wide range of cases and disputes with, for example, suppliers under purchase contracts for food and non-food items, Service Providers, Carriers (sea, air, land), Stevedoring/Handling Companies, through amicable discussions or litigation, including liaising with external counsel where appropriate;
• Provide advice and participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities to ensure WFP’s position is explained and defended;
• Undertake extensive legal research and analysis and prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and complex correspondence to enable the provision of comprehensive legal services;
• Draft and/or review a variety of legal documents, including legal motions/submissions, manuals, policies, guidelines, procedures, agreements and contracts;
• Analyze legal issues relating to the interpretation or application of relevant rules, 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 timely legal advice to country offices, regional bureaus and HQ divisions/units on a wide variety of issues;
• Provide legal and technical advice and facilitate awareness of potential liability exposure and proactive legal minimization of risk within the organization;
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace which incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework; and
• Perform other related duties, including facilitating training sessions for other units or divisions, as required by the Legal Office.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS

Education:

You have:

Advanced University degree in the discipline of law or First University degree in the discipline of law with additional relevant experience and advanced training in private commercial law, international trade law and maritime/shipping law. Qualified to practice law or admitted to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society.

Experience:

You have:

At least 8 years (of which a minimum of 3 years in an international context) of relevant experience as a lawyer in a law firm or a private-sector legal department or in an international organisation, working on issues relating to maritime/shipping law, private commercial law and international trade law.

Language:

You have:

Fluency (level C) in the English language Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language). Fluency in Russian would be highly desirable.

MORE ABOUT YOU

• 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; • Ability to lead and inspire teams, delegate tasks, provide guidance, and effectively manage and motivate staff. • Strong negotiation skills and problem-solving approach; • Independent decision-making skills; • Strong analytical skills; • Strong business acumen and ability to think strategically; • Solid time-management and priorities management skills; • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and • High standards of ethics and values.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

These are the common standards of behaviour that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Leads by Example with Integrity Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork Applies Strategic Thinking Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships Lives the WFP values and shows humanity and integrity by role modelling care for others

Delivers on commitments and adapts readily to change

Is inclusive and collaborative, and contributes to a culture of learning and personal growth

Demonstrates commitment to gather perspectives, analyse options and risks, and propose new ways of doing things

Builds and nurtures external partnerships and collaborates with partners to deliver common objectives

Different expectations of behaviour are defined depending on your grade and role/responsibilities within WFP.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.

The position is based in Rome, Italy and the selected candidate will be expected to relocate.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable)
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.