PSA Legal Consultant, CST II (Remote)
Provide legal consultancy for the Professional Staff Association.
Overview
Provide legal consultancy for the Professional Staff Association.
You have:
- Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training.
- Must be qualified to practice or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar.
- At least five years or more of relevant progressively responsible experience in providing a wide range of legal services.
- At least three years’ experience with UN employment law.
- Proficient in written and spoken English; Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of WFP/FAO Regulations, Rules and Manuals.
- Proven experience with staff relations issues.
- Good knowledge of UN entities and their impact on staff.
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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees. We encourage 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 with experience in international administrative law and 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 organization 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 Friday, December 22, 2023
ABOUT WFP
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: https://www.wfp.org/ and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The WFP Professional Staff Association (PSA) was established in September 2004 and a Recognition Agreement with WFP management was signed in April 2007. The PSA is a voluntary organization of WFP Professional staff choosing to associate, irrespective of their duty station, Headquarters or Field, to promote and safeguard:
• The rights, interests and dignity of professional staff • The overall general welfare of staff • The conditions of service • Fairness and justice in the treatment of staff
The Association works to promote and to maintain continuous dialogue with Management on behalf of Staff and to ensure that their concerns are taken into account in management and policy decisions.
The Association is governed by an elected Staff Council of eighteen members and an Executive Committee of five members, who are elected from amongst the Staff Council.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Professional Staff Association (PSA) Legal Consultant handles matters related to the requirements of the staff. This will entail providing legal advice to members of the PSA, including the preparation of Appeals to the Executive Director, the FAO Appeals Committee and the ILOAT
Under the general supervision and at the request of the PSA President, the PSA Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:
• Provide legal advice to PSA members, interpreting and reviewing administrative decisions and where appropriate assisting and representing them in tribunals or internal appeal procedures. • Participate in negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes to meet unique client needs, preparing and/or reviewing agreements. • Undertake extensive legal research and analysis, including interpretation and application of various legal instruments to facilitate comprehensive legal services. • Prepare or assist in preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of legal issues, background papers, studies, memoranda, reports and other legal documents. • Provide legal advice on HR rules, regulations and manuals. • Provide information and guidance to members and others related to the work of the PSA, with a view to encouraging wider membership.
QUALIFICATIONS & KEY REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training in private, commercial or public Law.
- Must be qualified to practice or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society.
Experience
- At least five years or more of relevant progressively responsible experience in providing a wide range of legal services.
- At least three years’ experience with UN employment law.
- Proven experience with staff relations issues.
- Strong knowledge of WFP/FAO Regulations, Rules and Manuals.
- Good knowledge of UN entities and impact of their decisions on staff, such as the General Assembly, the International Civil Service Commission, the Joint Inspection Unit and the High Level Committee on Management.
Previous experience with UN Staff Associations/Unions or Legal Service for staff assistance is an asset.
Languages:
Proficient in written and spoken English; Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination and processing of a range of legal documents.
- Knowledge of various legal research sources, techniques and ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments and draft legal papers.
- Knowledge of tribunal processes and procedures.
- Business acumen.
- Strong time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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
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
- 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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience in providing legal advice within a UN context? | This question assesses your relevant experience and understanding of UN-specific legal frameworks. | Highlight specific experiences where you've navigated legal issues in a UN setting. |
| How do you approach negotiation and settlement of claims? | The interviewer wants to understand your negotiation skills and strategies. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your process for conducting legal research? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure your legal advice is compliant with WFP regulations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of your work with staff relations issues? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |