UNICEF Administrative Law Specialist (P-4), New York

Purpose of the Position

Under the guidance of the Chief, Policy and Administrative Law Section (PALS), the incumbent will represent UNICEF before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). The incumbent will advise management on litigation, mediation and other formal and informal procedures set up within the context of the reform of the Administration of Justice. The incumbent will also be expected to provide advice on disciplinary cases and Management Evaluations and to brief managers in the field on the new Judicial system. Finally, the incumbent will be expected to research and provide advice on substantive and procedural questions related to administration of staff, on the performance evaluation process and on the rights and obligations of staff members.

Key Expected Results

1. Act as one of the Counsels representing UNICEF before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal in cases involving appeals against administrative decisions affecting staff members in their contractual rights, you will be responsible for:
   • Defending the UNICEF's position by preparing oral and written submissions to the UNDT;
   • Ensure that they meet procedural requirements and identify were applicable cases that are amendable to informal resolution;
   • Respond to complex inquiries and correspondence;
   • Identify issues and draft submissions;
   • Ensure that they are consistent with interpretation and application of administrative law;
   • Prepare and conduct examination of witnesses before the UNDT and negotiations with opposing Counsel or Appellant when required;
2. Research and prepare for the Deputy Executive Director (DED) responses which deal fully and satisfactorily with requests for management evaluation filed under Chapter XI of the Staff Rules. You will be expected to identify and flag pertinent legal issues and suggest remedies to administrative problems when identifying a legal weakness in UNICEF Management's contested decisions in order to avoid cases being lost before UNDT.
3. Ensure will be expected to ensure that fact finding reports received from Office of Internal Audit (OIA) are sufficient to issue charges against a staff member. Ensure that the staff member's due process rights are fully complied with and that both the Administration and the Staff Member's position are taken into account in the decision by the DED on a particular disciplinary case. You will draft the standard letters for the Director DHR required in the disciplinary process and the final decision reached by the DED. You will be expected to consult with supervisor, the investigators, concerned managers and the DED's office in handling said cases.
4. Provide advice to staff and management on the system of Administration of Justice. Research and advice on substantive and procedural questions related to administration of staff, on the performance evaluation process and on the rights and obligations of staff members. Advice in individual cases must be legally sound, consistent with previous cases, accurate and fair and in line with applicable issuances, case law and administrative practice.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in law and admission to a national bar.

Minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience in law and litigation. Prior court experience is required. Knowledge of UN employment law is required. Prior experience with the UN, a sister agency or in national diplomatic service is highly desirable.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese) is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.

Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.

Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization's future potential.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Sets clearly defined objectives and produces comprehensive project plans for the organization.

How to apply:

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you. Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this vacancy,quoting E-VN-2013-001000. Applications must be received by Midnight EST on 14 June 2013. IMPORTANT: As part of your applicant online profile on UNICEF's e-Recruitment site, please make sure your select “Release Profile” under Candidate Profile/Overview & Release. Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted. In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.