Legal Senior Analyst

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - IPAS

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in the six practice areas of HR, Administration, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS has three main roles:

Support to operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding of solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.

Business efficiency: IPAS recommends changes to policies, processes and operating standards based on the feedback and experience of the field offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.

Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.

You can meet our team and get a sneak peek of our working environment in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8CyuSqczvI&feature=youtu.be

****** Please note this vacancy aims to fill a short term, full-time position for a period of 4 months (paternity cover), with possibility of extension. In addition, UNOPS aims to establish a pool of qualified professionals interested in long-term assignments (see section "Contract type, level and duration").****

*** Even though the duty station is indicated as Copenhagen, DK, consideration may be given to allow the position to be home-based, depending on the incumbent's personal situation. For home-based positions, a location-specific fee scale might be applied in determining the contractor's fee.

Background Information - Job-specific

The IPAS Legal Analyst reports to the Legal Specialist in IPAS Legal under the overall supervision of the IPAS legal team lead. He/she is responsible for delivering on the three areas of supporting operations, business efficiency and knowledge management. For IPAS Legal this translates into daily interactions with country offices and regional offices to provide sound and accurate legal advice on contractual matters. IPAS Legal team works closely with other IPAS units, in particular Finance and Project Management/Infrastructure, to review new engagements with funding sources, with a focus on identifying potential risks and opportunities and to ensure they are in line with corporate policy and compliance framework.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision and guidance of the Legal Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring that timely legal advice is provided, which focuses on providing solutions to IPAS Legal’s clients. This requires close interactions not only with country offices, but also with other IPAS practice teams, policy groups and regional offices. It also requires a good understanding of the diverse environment in which UNOPS operates.

In order to exercise his/her legal responsibilities, the incumbent acts with designated authority provided by the General Counsel. The incumbent will work in accordance with the instructions established by the General Counsel.

The incumbent will be expected to identify and escalate complex and high risk matters to the IPAS Legal Team Lead. The incumbent will be expected to travel from time to time.

Under the supervision of the Legal Specialist the incumbent shall:

1) Support UNOPS operations through advice on institutional and commercial legal matters such as:

• Assist with reviewing legal agreements and amendments, with a focus on identifying legal risks and opportunities in close collaboration with other IPAS reviewers and the IPAS Legal Team Lead, escalate issues identified to supervisor;
• Draft and support the review of legal agreements and contracts;
• Prepare material and research for the negotiation of legal agreements and contracts with UNOPS partners and/or funding sources;
• Identify and suggest risk mitigation strategies for the Organisation;

• In coordination with the IPAS Legal Team and other IPAS legal advisors, assist with the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policy, guidance and best practices to the field offices;

  2) Contribute to business efficiency:

• Conduct research and analyze issues to contribute to efforts aiming at addressing country and project challenges;

• Contribute with other IPAS units to system enhancements;
• Support the development and improvement of the UNOPS regulatory framework through feedback;
• Support corporate and cross-functional initiatives.

3) Build and maintain an active body of legal knowledge:- Contribute to legal knowledge and information management within the team and across the Organisation; - Keep abreast of external legal developments and best practises; - Provide regular feedback to internal clients on legal issues, risks and possible areas of improvement.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in law, or a closely related area is required.
• A first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) from an accredited university in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Satisfaction of all requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) and 2 additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of post-graduate experience analysing legal issues and conducting legal research is required, preferably with an international organisation, government agency or legal office.
• Experience in the application of regulations and rules, policies, procedure and decision-making processes of an international organisation is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in legal drafting and ability to draft accurately, clearly and concisely under time pressure.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating complex legal concepts across a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated field experience in a development context is an advantage.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English (reading, speaking and writing) is required.
• Fluency in Spanish (reading, speaking and writing) is strongly desired.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: I-ICA1 Contract duration: 1) Full-time, short term, paternity cover (4 months) with possibility of extension 2) Long term opportunities (see below). Both are subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.