Job Title
LEGAL OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office
Economic Commission for Africa
Duty Station
ADDIS ABABA
Posting Period
28 February 2014-29 April 2014
Job Opening number
14-LEG-ECA-33135-R-ADDIS ABABA (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Legal Officer reports to the Secretary to the Commission.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the Legal Officer would be responsible for the following duties:
Handle a range of issues related to constitutional, international, public, private, administrative law, including the interpretation and application of constitutive, legislative and other instruments governing United Nations activities and operations, in consultation with senior Legal Officers.
Conduct extensive legal research and analysis and prepare studies, briefs, reports and correspondence.
Undertake extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, legislative texts and commentaries on those texts.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of public international or private law issues, involving, inter alia, issues relating to the United Nations Charter. General Assembly resolutions, privileges and immunities, institutional questions, treaty law and practice, procedural issues arising during meetings of United Nations organs, constitutional and administrative law of the Organisation.
Prepare draft host country, conference and other agreements, and other legal texts and instruments required for the conduct of institutional or operational activities carried out by of the ECA,
Service, or assist senior colleagues in servicing, conferences, commissions, committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting reports, etc.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of agreements and contracts with governments, NGOs and other public and private entities, as well as in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes and in handling private international law and international trade law matters.
Assists in representing the Organization before the UN Dispute Tribunal and the UN Appeals Tribunal and other tribunals or administrative proceedings, including disciplinary cases;
Provides legal advice on human resources and administrative matters;
Prepare or assist with the preparation of seminars and symposia, lecture on various legal issues at such events.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of public international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the law of privileges and immunities; Familiarity with the institutions and organization of the UN system; Analytical skills and ability to conduct legal research on a range of relatively complex and intricate issues; Proficiency in legal drafting and ability to draft clearly and well under time pressure; Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given; Negotiating skills; 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.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law with emphasis in the area of public 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 with emphasis in Public International Law is required. Experience in legal analysis, research and writing is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in oral and written English is a requirement. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other official UN languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment and 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 are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
