UNV Legal Affairs Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

• Conducted, legal research, analysis, including in the field of UN rules and reg-ulations, SC Resolutions, peace agreements, Mission’s compliance with interna-tional and national law including in the field of international/comparative law, inter-pretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments gov-erning Mali, rules and international law and regulations governing United Nations peace-keeping operations, and prepare legal opinions for the units/sections/departments and Senior Management as required.

• Effective, sound and accurate legal advice, analysis and assistance to the SLA and “external clients” is provided.

• A significant direct contribution to the efficient and effective functioning of the Legal Affairs Office and an important indirect contribution to overall objectives of the UN Mission in Mali

• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and devel-opment during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) gov-ernmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrat-ed and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and develop-ment during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mo-bilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor and the direct supervision of the Legal Affairs Officer, the UNV volunteer will be responsible for:

• Conducting legal research and analysis about UN rules and regulations (in-cluding those concerning claims against the Mission), SC Resolutions, peace agreements and Mission’s compliance with international and national law;

• Advising the Mission vis-à-vis local and government authorities, including on issues relating to UN privileges and immunities, as set out by the relevant UN Conventions and the Status of Forces Agreement;

• Translating legal documents as requested by the Legal Affairs Office

• Assisting in negotiations on contracts with suppliers of goods and /service providers ensuring that contractors respect UN rules and regulations and national laws;

• Advising on, drafting, and/or reviewing drafts of contracts, agreements, com-munications opinion, minutes, reports, notes, orders, institutional and operational modalities, and other legal documents;

• Conducting comparative legal research on issues of Public International Law including the interpretation and application of constitutional, legislative and other instruments governing Mali, as well as United Nations peace-keeping operations;

• Liaising and coordinating legal research and analysis with other Sec-tions/Units/Divisions, as appropriate;

• Undertaking extensive analysis and research of legislation and jurisprudence relevant to the different legal opinions requested from the Office;

• Serving as member on committees and ad hoc task forces, as appropriate;

• Performing other related duties as required;

• Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peacebuilding and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV pub- lications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

    Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: 

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, in-cluding participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV pub- lications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Legal research, analysis and writ-ing are required;

• Field experience in developing countries, and/ or complex environment is desirable;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information; excellent communications skills; excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize; adaptability to conditions of hardship/hazard

Bamako is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 600 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.