Legal Specialists - 6 months (5 positions)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

This position will report to a Legal Advisor of the Legal Group, under the overall supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and Director of the Legal Group.

The primary responsibilities of the Legal Specialist will be to provide legal advice on commercial, institutional and human resources legal matters under the purview of the Legal Group, including, but not limited to reviewing and drafting legal documents, assisting in the resolution of claims and disputes, advising on the organization’s privileges and immunities, advising on the interpretation and application of UNOPS’ legal framework, etc. The position will give exposure to a wide variety of types of work overseen by the Legal Group.

Please note that we are building a pool of qualified legal professionals who are interested in both temporary roles (6 months) and other opportunities, such as for engagement on a retainer basis

Functional Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the incumbent will be to assist the Legal Advisor on the following areas as they come within the mandate of the UNOPS Legal Group:

A- Support to policy development and implementation

• Advise internal clients on the interpretation and application of UNOPS legal framework
• Provide legal input to inform development and updates to the UNOPS legal framework

B- Legal Advisory Services

• Advise internal clients on issues of public and private international law, and commercial law
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements and instruments

C- Claims and Disputes

• Providing legal advice and representation to internal clients in the context of dispute settlement negotiations, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

D- Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Contributing to the ongoing development of the Legal Group’s Knowledge Management resources.
• Preparing guidance notes to legal advisors, internal clients on legal topics
• Delivering legal training modules to legal advisors and internal clients

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Completion of an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law with at least 5 years of relevant experience. An additional 2 years of legal professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Satisfaction of all requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State.

Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience as a lawyer/counsel in commercial or international law, including legal analysis, legal advice, legal research and drafting of legal texts.
• Legal experience at the UN is highly desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in written and oral English is required.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. 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: IICA or LICA depending on country of residence and nationality Contract level: IICA-2 or LICA10 Contract duration: 6 months Number of positions: 5

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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.