Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide legal assistance to the persons included in the scope of the administration of justice as defined by General Assembly resolution 63/253 on 'Administration of Justice in the United Nations;
• Advise clients on issues relating to appeals against administrative decisions and the imposition of disciplinary matters;
• Represent and litigate on behalf of clients before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal;
• Prepare written and oral submissions to these bodies and ensure that they meet procedural requirements;
• Identify, where applicable, cases that are amenable to informal resolution, such as settlement or mediation and assist clients in the process;
• Assist in responding to complex inquiries and correspondence; Identify legal issues, drafts review and advise on legal documents and correspondence; Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence;
• Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions;
• Assist the Office in producing accurate, comprehensive submissions, including by reviewing draft submissions for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies;
• Assist in maintaining the Office's registers (electronic and online) and a legal precedent reporting database;
• Assist in the preparation of reports on the work of the Office to the General Assembly and other bodies, as may be mandated;
• Assist in ensuring administrative and budgetary requirements of the Nairobi Office or at the relevant OSLA duty station;
• Perform other duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international law.
• 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.
• Two years of experience at the national or international level including first-hand experience in appearing and leading the evidence of witnesses before a court or tribunal is required.
• Experience within the UN common system or other similar international organizations is desirable.