UN WOMEN: LEGAL SPECIALIST

The UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, the UN Women will lead and coordinate United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It will provide strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. Under the overall supervision of the Director of Management and Administration Division, the Legal Specialist provides legal advice to UN Women management, HQ units, regional, sub-regional and country offices, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides legal advice, in consultation with the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (UN/OLA) on the interpretation and application of the rules of procedure of the UN Women Executive Board, and on issues of privileges and immunities, to ensure respect for the privileges and immunities of UN Women, its officials and experts on mission Negotiates and establishes, in consultation with UN/OLA, host country, conference and other agreements, constitutive instruments and other legal texts and instruments required for the conduct of operational activities carried out by UN Women in the various Member States. Provides legal advice, in consultation with UN/OLA and UN Women Human Resources as appropriate, to UN Women senior management, headquarters units, country offices, on the application of the Staff Regulations, Rules and procedures governing the internal justice system and other relevant aspects of human resources management, including disciplinary matters, rights and obligations of staff, legal status of staff and their dependents, financial recovery, taxation and insurance issues. Prepares legal opinions on cases submitted to Management and Administration Division, involving mismanagement or non-compliance with legislative and administrative issuances governing UN Women’s operations Assists in the drafting and interpretation of policies and procedures governing the operations of UN Women. Prepares written responses and other submissions as required on behalf of the Executive Director in response to applications and other submissions filed before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). Represents the Administration before the UNDT, including but not limited to, in direction hearings and hearings on the merits. Generally attends to all stages of proceedings before the UNDT, including the conduct of settlement negotiations and/or mediation proceedings where required. Liaises with UN/OLA regarding UNDT cases involving UN Women, UN/OLA’s representation of the Secretary-General before the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), in cases involving UN Women, and other administration of justice related issues. Provides legal advice, in consultation with UN/OLA, in relation to internal and external investigations into the use of UN Women financial and human resources. Advises on and pursues recovery for losses to UN Women. Liaises with UN/OLA with respect to cases involving possible criminal conduct by UN Women officials, experts on mission, or other third parties, for possible referrals to the national authorities of the appropriate Member States, and with respect to investigations and proceedings relating to UN Women, as conducted by Member States, Provides legal advice, assistance and support, in consultation with UN/OLA as necessary, concerning UN Women’s procurement activities and contracting requirements, including the preparation, review and negotiation of commercial agreements and contracts for UN Women, and the preparation of standard forms of contracts for use by UN Women. Reviews, negotiates and settles claims and disputes arising from agreements, contracts and other arrangements, including commercial claims and disputes involving the Organization. Prepares legal opinions on cases involving unusual and/or complex legal issues, including cases for which no or few precedents exist. Enhances knowledge within UN Women about legal matters through participating in and preparing training programmes. Based on experience gained from addressing issues related to any of the above-mentioned functions, identifies and advises on areas where systemic or policy changes may be warranted in order to strengthen UN Women’s accountability and/or allow operational units to carry out their functions more effectively and efficiently, including continual review and updating of standard texts, policies and procedures, in consultation with the concerned substantive units Performs other related functions as requested by the Director of Management and Administration. Impact of Results The nature of the post requires the incumbent to interpret, and to assess and advise on action with regard to cases of exception in the application of, UN Women regulations rules and directives as well as other legislation affecting the operation of UN Women and the management of its financial resources. The incumbent will be expected to advise with regard to changes in such legislation and/or policies as may be required in order to allow UN Women’s control framework to be adapted to the needs of the organization.

Competencies

CORE VALUES / GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Integrity: Demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UN Women in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct. Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing diversity: Demonstrating an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff. Demonstrating an international outlook, appreciating differences in values and learning from cultural diversity. CORE COMPETENCIES: Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure. Excellent skills in drafting under pressure a broad range of documents of a legal nature, including briefing notes and reports on legal issues and submissions to courts and tribunals. Excellent verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to provide oral briefings on complex legal issues to legal and non-legal audiences. Sound negotiation skills. Client orientation with constructive approach to resolution of problems and dedication to providing timely support. Demonstrated consciousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Excellent interpersonal skills and personal maturity: sense of initiative. Integrity and probity; ability to work with utmost discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters. Sound judgment. Ability to multi-task, handling a complex workload involving concurrent deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Understanding of UN Women’s goals and programmes. Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources, etc. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES: In depth theoretical knowledge of international law, and thorough understanding and knowledge of the UN system and UN Women, including the privileges and immunities of international organizations, and international administrative law as practiced in international organizations, Sound knowledge of the constitutional, legislative and administrative basis for UN Women’s mandate and operations (UN Charter, relevant General Assembly resolutions and other relevant resolutions and decisions, UN Women Financial Regulations and Rules, UN Staff Regulations and Rules).

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master`s degree or equivalent in law. Experience: Membership of national bar At least 7 years practical experience in the practice of law with a law firm, a government and/or an international organization’s legal office Language Requirements: Excellent command of oral and written English Knowledge of another United Nations official language, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset. Note: In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.

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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.