Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) Registry, Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) in New York. The UNDT hears and decides cases filed by or on behalf of current and former staff members appealing administrative decisions alleged to be in non-compliance with their terms of appointment or contract of employment. The Tribunal conducts hearings, issues orders, and renders binding judgments. Both staff members and the Administration have a right to appeal the judgments of the Dispute Tribunal to the UNDT. The incumbent will report to the UNDT Registrar in New York.

Responsibilities

The Legal Officer will be responsible for providing substantive, technical and administrative support to the Judges of the UNDT in New York.

Duties will include:

• Review of submissions to the UNDT;
• Assist in the preparation of referrals to the Mediation Division of the Office of the Ombudsman;
• Respond to correspondence;
• Draft, review and advise on legal documents and correspondence;
• Support Judges by preparing background materials and summaries of issues, as required;
• Attend meetings, and advise on emerging issues and questions, as required;
• Identify issues, draft legal texts and handle a wide range of complex legal matters involving interpretation and application of administrative and employment law;
• Conduct legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence;
• Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions;
• Support the judges in producing accurate, comprehensive judgments, and ensuring editorial uniformity prior to dissemination.

The Legal Officer will also:

• Assist in maintaining the Tribunal's registers (electronic and online), the publication and dissemination of the decisions, rulings and judgments rendered by the Tribunal, in the required official languages, through the agreed media;
• Assist in maintaining the Tribunal's case law, digests and jurisprudence databank;
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism : Knowledge of relevant Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, or that of a similar international organization, as well as of applicable jurisprudence; ability to apply legal and administrative expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual issues and problems, and to problem-solve and develop innovative and creative solutions; ability to produce reports and papers on legal and administrative matters; ability to analyze and conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal and administrative issues; ability to influence others to reach agreement; ability to review and edit the work of others. 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.

• 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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Client orientation : Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and to see things from the clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; keep clients informed of progress or setbacks; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. At least two years of that experience at the international level, preferably in an international public organization is desirable. Experience in administrative and employment law is required. Experience within judicial structures and procedures is desirable. Experience in the use of electronic search engines, case management systems and databases is desirable.