Legal Officer, New York

• Organization: OHRM - Office of Human Resources Management
• Country: United States
• City: New York
• Office: OHRM New York
• Grade: P-3
• Follow @UNjobs

Closing date: Saturday, 28 January 2017

---

Posting Title: Legal Officer, P3
Job Code Title: LEGAL OFFICER
Department/ Office: Office of Human Resources Management
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 30 November 2016-28 January 2017
Job Opening number: 16-LEG-DM OHRM-70158-R-NEW YORK (O)
Staffing Exercise ID: N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
This post is financed under the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. Extension of appointment will be subject to budgetary approval.
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.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Administrative Law Section (ALS), Human Resources Policy Service, Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM). The incumbent will report to the Chief, Disciplinary Unit.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer will assist in handling disciplinary matters referred to the Office of Human Resources Management by:

• Providing advice on the handling of disciplinary matters and preparing accurate and comprehensive documentation in relation thereto.
• Conducting research and analysis of the UN Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions, judgements of the United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunals and judgements of other international administrative tribunals, Staff Regulations and Rules, and administrative issuances.
• Representing the Secretary-General in written and oral proceedings before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal relating to disciplinary cases. Preparing documentation that is consistent with the principles of administrative law applicable to the Organization and, as appropriate, that meet procedural requirements of the Tribunal.
• Preparing or assisting in the preparation of legal advice on human resources and administrative matters, with a view to facilitating early resolution of disputes.
• Assisting in maintaining the Unit's registers and electronic databases and performing other duties, as required.

.
Competencies

• Professionalism : Knowledge of relevant United Nations Regulations and Rules, 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 issues and problems, and to develop innovative and creative solutions; strong analytical skills; ability to use discretion and sound judgement in handling sensitive legal and administrative issues; ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Ability to identify clients' needs and match them to appropriate solutions. Ability to meet timeline for delivery of products or services to clients. 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.
• Planning and 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.
• 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education
Advanced university degree (Masters' degree or equivalent degree) 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 professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. At least two years of litigation experience is required. Experience in law at the national or international level is desirable. Experience in conducting investigations and/or disciplinary matters in an international organization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a substantive assessment, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira.
Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.