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LEGAL OFFICER , United Nations University

UNU Mission:
The UNU is the academic arm of the United Nations system.  Its mission is to contribute through collaborative research and postgraduate education, dissemination of knowledge and advisory services, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. The University functions as a think tank for the United Nations system and for UN Member States, providing knowledge-based policy advice.
The Office of the Rector:
The Office of the Rector supports the Rector in his capacity as the chief academic and administrative officer of UNU, and assists in executive management and coordination of the UNU system. This includes responsibilities for the University's direction, organization, administration, and programme and institutional development. The Office provides an overall supporting role for governance and policy development within the UNU system, in particular through the UNU’s governing body, the UNU Council (and its Executive Committee), as well as through advisory boards and committees of the UNU institutes and programmes and the Conference of Directors of UNU institutes and programmes (CONDIR). The Office of the Rector manages the legal affairs of the University with the support of legal advisors, as well as a limited number of central academic services relating to degree programme activities via the Academic Affairs sub-office.
Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer reports to the Executive Officer and will have overall responsibility for preparing, reviewing and advising on a range of legal issues relating to the implementation of University legislation, including matters arising in connection with institutional development, as well as external funding and partnerships. The Legal Officer will also provide substantive support to the Office of the Rector and the University’s governing Council and subsidiary bodies and committees thereof pre-, in- and post-session.
Main Duties:
The incumbent will be principally responsible for:
  • Drafting and/or reviewing a variety of legal documents including contracts, agreements, policies, reports, memoranda, manuals and resolutions;
  • Studying legal questions arising out of the interpretation or application of the University Charter and relevant contracts, agreements, rules, policies, laws, regulations and international conventions;
  • Providing legal interpretations on a full range of issues regarding the University’s various internal legislation (Statutes, Policies, Rules of Procedure, etc.) including the protocols of the University’s governing Council and its subsidiary bodies and committees;
  • Assisting in the resolution of legal questions relating to the interpretation and application of University legislation and to disputes arising from its application;
  • The effective and efficient planning and organization of UNU’s governing Council meetings, ensuring that commitments to the governing Council are honoured and necessary follow-up actions are taken;
  • Providing substantive secretariat support, including liaison support to the governing Council and its subsidiary bodies and committees and preparation of background papers, briefs and reports proposed for consideration at sessions of the governing Council;
  • Advising the Executive Officer and UNU Rector in the conduct of Council sessions; and,
  • Performing any other duty in the area of competence as required.
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law with emphasis in the administrative and contractual dimensions of public international law. At least five years of relevant professional work experience in the relevant area of law gained in a legal department of an intergovernmental organization or national administration or by working for a law firm. A first-level university degree in combination with a minimum of seven additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Other Qualifications:
  • An international background with experience in international/national civil service and detailed knowledge of the UN and of its functions and activities;
  • A proven record of effective and strong communication skills, particularly in regard to drafting in the English language; 
  • The ability to interact with colleagues and others of diverse cultural backgrounds;
  • An interest in research and scholarly work; and,
  • Fluency in English and preferably one other official language of the United Nations; fluency in French would be an additional advantage.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Remuneration:
The approximate net salary (free of tax) is US$103,787 (single status) – US$120,468 (with dependants) p.a. including post adjustment, which is subject to change. The post carries the standard set of UN entitlements/benefits, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible children, removal expenses and home leave.
For more specific information please visit:
http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html. The Rector reserves the right to appoint suitable candidates at a lower category.
Duration of Contract: 
The period of initial contract would be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal on a rolling fixed-term appointment basis, subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The mandatory retirement age in the United Nations is 62.
Starting Date:
It is hoped that the appointee will take up the position in the first half of 2014.
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by email (tolegalofficerro@unu.edu) and must include the following:
  • a cover letter setting out: (1) what are the motivations for applying for the post and (2) how the candidate’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
  • a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from United Nations University website at http://unu.edu/about/hr  Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
  • full curriculum vitae (with publications list); and
  • an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2013/UNU/HQ/RO/FTA/LO/84)