UNDP Legal Specialist

Background

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Legal Support Office, Bureau of Management and reporting directly to the Senior Legal Adviser and Head of the Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice Group, the Legal Specialist supports the unit in providing legal support to UNDP management, headquarters and country offices in the Corporate and Institutional law practice area.

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of corporate and institutional issues, including on interpretation of the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA), Executive Board decisions, the application of UNDP’s Financial Regulations and Rules and UNDP policies and procedures; Carries out legal research and drafts legal opinions on institutional matters relating to, inter alia, relationships with governments, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental and private sector entities, including issues related to status, mandate and operational modalities; the privileges and immunities of the Organization; intellectual property rights, use of the name and emblem of the Organization and issues related thereto; Provides advice on corporate and commercial issues and assists in the review, preparation and negotiation of  substantial and complex contracts for UNDP headquarters units and country offices, including leases, goods and services contracts; Liaises with the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), as appropriate, in order to coordinate the legal services provided by OLA to UNDP with regard to corporate and institutional legal matters referred to OLA by LSO/BOM; Reviews, negotiates and assists in the settlement of claims and disputes arising from commercial contracts, agreements and other arrangements involving the Organization; Assists in facilitating training programs on corporate and institutional matters for UNDP staff globally; Performs other functions as requested by the Senior Legal Adviser or the LSO Director. 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, UNDP regulations rules and directives as well as other legislation affecting the operation of UNDP 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 UNDP’s control framework to be adapted to the needs of the organization. Recommendations may relate to most aspects of UNDP activities and concern the interaction of the organization with other entities, including other UN organizations, governments, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs and private-sector entities. The incumbent will be required to advise with regard to: Whether issues are of a policy nature or a formal legal nature; In what manner legal considerations should influence a proposed course of action; The legal soundness of a proposed course of action; The extent to which an action exposes UNDP to risk and/or liability. Erroneous advice by the incumbent could cause UNDP to enter into commitments on incorrect premises, thus exposing the organization to liability and resulting in potential financial loss. Similarly, erroneous recommendations or judgments could cause others to be in breach of regulations, rules and procedures or other policies, and could lead to exposure to risk and liability through litigation or other legal action. Such weakening of the internal control framework of UNDP could ultimately effect the ability of the organization to be accountable to its constituents and result in loss of credibility and contributions from member states. Frequent contacts with Resident Representatives, Deputy Resident Representatives, Operations Managers, Programme Managers and others in country offices, as well as managers and senior professional staff in headquarters units, in response to queries and to provide advice on institutional or ethical issues of a legal nature; Frequent contact with senior counterparts in OLA to obtain authoritative advice and guidance on specific cases; Periodic contact with representatives of other United Nations entities, at senior levels, to consult on common approaches to legal issues, or to resolve specific problems/issues; Occasional contact with representatives of governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental entities, including private companies, to negotiate agreements or other legal instruments. A degree of independence in the day-to-day work is expected. The incumbent will seek the guidance of the Director of LSO/BOM and/or the Senior Legal Adviser and Head, Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice and other senior lawyers in the Unit on policy matters.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Competencies: Thorough knowledge of UN and UNDP institutional legal matters, including legislative basis therefore (i.e. UN Charter, relevant General Assembly resolutions and other relevant resolutions and decisions, and UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules); Understanding of UNDP’s goals, programmes and its place in the UN system; Ability to work with utmost discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters; Client orientation with a constructive approach to resolution of problems; Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret rules and guidelines; Sound negotiation skills; Ability to conceptualize policies; Excellent drafting skills; Excellent interpersonal skills with staff at all levels; Excellent organizational skills Respect for deadlines; Excellent communications skills, oral and written; Integrity and probity; Sound judgment and personal maturity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced degree in law (master level). Experience: Minimum of 5 years practical experience in the practice of law with a law firm, a government and/or an international organization's legal office; Experience with the United Nations legal framework and the legal institutional arrangements of United Nations organizations; Specific knowledge of, and/or practical experience in dealing with, UNDP corporate and institutional matters highly desirable; Practical experience from UN/UNDP operations in developing countries highly desirable; Membership of a national bar. Language requirements: Excellent command of oral and written English and French or Spanish.

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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.

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