UNDP Jobs - 52213- Re-advertisement

Re-advertisement - Legal Specialist

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

TA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

18-Feb-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

364 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

364 days

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Candidates who previously applied need not re-apply.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Legal Support Office, Bureau of Management (LSO/BOM) and reporting to the Senior Legal Advisor and Head of the Administrative Law Practice Group, the Legal Specialist assists the office in providing legal support to UNDP Senior management, Headquarters units and Country Offices, as well as to other Funds and Agencies, as appropriate, in the administrative law practice area.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide legal advice, in coordination with UN/OLA and UNDP OHR as appropriate, to UNDP senior management, Headquarters units and Country Offices, and other Funds and Agencies, 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, privileges and immunities, rights and obligations of staff, legal status of staff and their dependants, financial recovery, taxation and insurance issues;
Draft briefs for submission on behalf of UNDP and other Funds and Agencies in response to applications and other submissions filed before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT). Represents the Administration before the UNDT; Support UN/OLA in its representation of UNDP before the UN Appeals Tribunal;
Provide advice to senior officials regarding requests for management evaluation. Upon request, draft responses to the requests for management evaluation; Assist in the informal resolution of cases;
Assist in the drafting and interpretation of policies and procedures involving administrative law issues;
Generally provide advice on a broad range of issues involving substantive and procedural questions of administrative law.
Provide legal opinions and perform extensive legal research and analysis on a diversity of legal issues;
Represent the Senior Legal Advisor in relevant UNDP meetings, when required; Supervise the work of the Legal Associate for the tasks he/she gives her; Travel on mission as required;
Perform other related functions as requested by the Senior Legal Advisor, or the Director of LSO/BOM.

Competencies

Thorough knowledge of United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, and other parts of the United Nations legal framework;
Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent drafting skills;
Excellent interpersonal skills and personal maturity: sense of initiative;
Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
Integrity and probity; ability to work with utmost discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters;
Sound judgment and personal maturity;
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;
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure;
Understanding of UNDP’s goals and programmes.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced degree in law; specialization in International Law and/or Administrative Law.

Experience:

Admittance to the bar of a Member State or an equivalent qualification to practice law in a Member State is desirable;
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the practice of public international law with a law firm, a government and/or an international organization’s legal office;
Practical experience with the United Nations legal framework, working with administrative law issues of United Nations Organizations;
Practical advocacy experience in litigation is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Excellent command of oral and written English;
Working knowledge of another United Nations official language, particularly French, would be an advantage.