SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 208,877 USD and 261,770 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the General Legal Division (GLD) of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), in the Substantial Contracts and Procurement Cluster. The incumbent reports to the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of GLD.

A significant part of the responsibilities of the Senior Legal Officer will be to provide legal advice in support of the activities of the Office of Investment Management (OIM) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The United Nations Secretary-General is responsible for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF. The Secretary-General has delegated this responsibility to the Representative of the Secretary-General for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF (RSG). The RSG is, in turn, assisted in this function by the Office of Investment Management. OIM manages a US$60+ billion multi-asset class, global investment portfolio, about 85% of which is actively managed in-house. Asset classes under management comprise global equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and commodities. OIM’s staff are all based in New York but come from over 30 countries.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority the Senior Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties. In assisting the Director and the Principal Legal Officer(s), GLD, the Senior Legal Officer:

•Works in the area of international commercial law and independently handles a wide range of highly complex, and often sensitive and/or conflicting legal matters involving issues relating to international, public, private commercial and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area. •Provides advice on all legal aspects of the Fund’s investments and related investment activities, in consultation with OIM, where required, including the negotiation of a wide range of agreements and documents relating to the investment of multiple classes of assets in global public and private markets, as well as associated custody, advisory and other related arrangements. •Provides legal advice on a wide range of highly complex international investment transactions in sectors such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure. •Provides legal advice on the interpretation of legal instruments and legislation (as applicable) as well as UN and UNJSPF regulations, rules, and policies. •Provides advice on all legal aspects of the investments and related investment activities of the United Nations Secretariat, in consultation with UN Treasury, where required, including the negotiation of a wide range of agreements and documents relating to investments and banking, as well as associated custody, advisory and other related arrangements. •Coordinates with external legal advisors. •Supervises the work of other legal officers dealing with legal questions related to the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF, the UNU Endowment Fund UN Treasury matters, Substantial Contract and Procurement matters or other matters. •Provides legal advice on a diverse range of highly complex or novel substantive and procedural questions of law relating to the investment activities of the Fund. •Organizes and supervises research studies and the preparation of legal opinions, as well as performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. •Undertakes the review and drafting and/or supervision of drafting of highly complex or novel contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities, legal submissions, and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. Advises on and supervises the review, negotiations and drafting of legal instruments, documents or submissions required in connection with the resolution of commercial disputes, as well as contracts, agreements, and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. •Supervises the defence and pursuit of claims, negotiates settlement of major claims and prepares legal documentation relating to such settlements. •Provides legal advice to senior officials on the interpretation of legal instruments. •Serves in various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces of the UNJSPF and/or the UN Secretariat, as required; promotes the work of the United Nations and represents the Organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. •Contributes to the review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, systems, etc. •Supervises and participates in preparing legal publications of the unit. •Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies •Professionalism: In-depth theoretical knowledge of, and extensive experience in, the practical application of international law, global investment procedures and transactions, including international commercial matters and/or the law of international organizations. Extensive knowledge of business law and practice relating to mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, real estate and other commercial transactions. In-depth knowledge of the legal documentation and processes relating to institutional investments in public and private markets. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in handling legal matters. Knowledge of various contract management resources, strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of investment and contract management issues; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare briefs, opinions, or legal submission/motions, and a variety of legal instruments or related documents. Ability to apply concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft formal documents and work under pressure. Ability to apply discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues and in the context of assignments given. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. •Planning and Organizing. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. •Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Managerial Competencies

•Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. •Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A Master’s degree in law with specialization in international investment, banking, commercial law or corporate finance is desirable. Admission to the practice of law in the Member State of the candidate’s nationality or in another Member State of the United Nations is required.

Work Experience A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in commercial (including international commercial law) and/or business law with a focus on investment matters, including legal analysis, research and writing, acquired at a law firm or at the legal department of a global investment institution, government or multilateral development bank, or in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization is required. Experience in legal aspects of private markets investment transactions (private equity, real estate, infrastructure) through closed-end funds, co-investments, and/or direct investment structures is desirable. Legal experience with pension funds is desirable. Experience in working with the status and the privileges and immunities of international organizations is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2020, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.