Legal Officer - Department of Management in Nairobi

Job Title: Legal Officer, P3

Department/ Office
Department of Management
Duty Station NAIROBI
Job Opening number 13-LEG-DM-28055-R-NAIROBI
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Nairobi office of the Appeals Unit of the Administrative Law Section, Human Resources Policy Service, Office of Human Resources Management in the Department of Management. The incumbent reports to the Chief, Appeals Unit.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Appeals Unit, and the overall supervision of the Chief, Administrative Law Section, the Legal Officer assists in representing the Organization in appeals before the UN Dispute Tribunal. To this end, the incumbent conducts extensive legal research and analysis, and prepares documentation and correspondence relevant to such appeals, based on the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions, United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunal judgements and the judgement of other international administrative tribunals, Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative insurances and relevant principles of law.

The incumbent also represents the Secretary-General in oral proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.
Further, the incumbent will also prepare or assist in the preparation of legal advice on human resources and administrative matters, with a view to facilitating early resolution. The Legal Officer will assist in maintaining the Unit's registers and databases (electronic and on-line) and perform other duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism: Good theoretical knowledge of international law (preferably administrative and/or employment and labour law), in particular the application of legal principles, concepts and policies and litigation of a range of legal issues; sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential material. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research on a range of relatively complex and intricate issues. Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner, including ability to draft/prepare briefing notes, presentations, legal submissions and reports and to communicate effectively orally. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all area 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.

Planning & 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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in 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 legal experience, including litigation experience, is required. Experience with United Nations staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations is desirable.

Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, preferably French, is desirable.

Assessment Method
A written test will be administered to shortlisted candidates. Only candidates who succesfully pass the written test will be invited to a competency-based interview.

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

This position is financed from temporary funding. Recruitment, selection or extension of appointment against this position will be subject to budgetary approval. There is no expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Secretariat of the United Nations.

United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

How to Apply:
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=28055&

Deadline:08/07/2013