Coordinator - Legal Affairs Programme UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The Convention secretariat supports the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties.

The Legal Affairs Programme provides legal advice and support to the Convention and Protocol bodies, Parties and the secretariat so that the convention and its Kyoto Protocol are implemented, and the associated intergovernmental process and the operations of the secretariat are conducted in accordance with legal, procedural and institutional requirements. It also facilitates the effective operation of the compliance mechanism in support of the environmental integrity of the Kyoto Protocol and the credibility of the market mechanisms.

Responsibilities
As the Coordinator of the Legal Affairs Programme and Principal Legal Adviser in the UNFCCC secretariat, the incumbent provides guidance and strategic direction for the work of the Programme relating to legal advice and support to the implementation of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol, the operation of the compliance procedures and mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol, the further development of the climate change regime, the conduct of the intergovernmental process, and the operations of the secretariat; formulates, plans, implements, coordinates and manages the work programme as well as activities and resources of the Programme; and oversees and reviews the preparation of legal opinions and provides legal advice on complex legal questions, including questions involving private and public international law, international commercial law, administrative and labour law, and the law and practice of international organizations. In particular the incumbent will:

• Coordinate and facilitate the management of programme activities; lead the programme in a strategic direction; formulate and implement the annual and long term objectives; allocate resources for the completion of outputs; clarify performance expectations and desired results; evaluate and monitor staff performance; provide guidance to and supervise senior legal officers and other staff members;
• Counsel, act for and represent the Secretariat in major areas of complex or novel legal nature, including the provision of legal advice and opinions to the Executive Secretary, Convention and Protocol bodies, secretariat programmes, Parties and stakeholders;
• Provide legal advice to the Convention and Protocol bodies on a wide range of legal issues relating to the further development of the climate change regime and the implementation of the Convention and the Protocol;
• Formulate and negotiate solutions and alternatives, as well as undertake legal analysis, with regard to a wide range of multidisciplinary and complex legal matters for which no precedents exist, which involve major questions of application of law, including United Nations rules and regulations, and which have a direct impact on the administration, activities, policies and programmes of the secretariat.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s or above) in law with specific training in international or environmental law. Training in administrative law or commercial law is an asset. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least twelve (12) years of progressively responsible and related legal experience, with at least 4 years of expertise in an international environment, preferably in a UN common system organization or other intergovernmental organization. Experience in the work of treaty implementation is an asset.
• Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations. Knowledge of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change and the Kyoto Protocol is an asset.
• Fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of a second UN Language is an advantage.

Evaluation criteria

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse spectrum of highly complex and novel legal issues, negotiation skills, demonstrated planning, management and leadership skills. Ability to translate strategic directions into effective operational activities.
• Client orientation: Ability to identify client needs and appropriate solutions. Ability to maintain productive partnerships with colleagues and third Parties.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Judgment/Decision Making: Mature judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact. Proven ability to provide strategic direction.
• Vision: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicate links between the secretariat’s strategy and the programme’s goal.
• Management/Leadership: Proven track record of excellent management and leadership skills.
• Ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Demonstrated flexibility in managerial decisions relating to administrative issues. Proven analytical skills of complex human resources, budgetary, financial and administrative management policy and programmatic issues. Ability to develop and implement change initiatives.

To apply
Candidates whose qualifications and experience match the requirements for this position, please use the on-line application system available at http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment.

Please note:

• Qualified women candidates and candidates from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
• Service is limited to the UNFCCC secretariat.
• We will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates under serious consideration and contacted for an interview will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.