UNDP Jobs - 53054- Re-advertisement

Re-advertisement - Legal Specialist

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

03-Jun-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 Year with the possibility of extension

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 and reporting directly to the Senior Legal Adviser and Head of the Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice Group, the Legal Specialist assists the unit in providing legal support to UNDP management, headquarters and country offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

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. Prepares legal opinions on cases submitted to LSO for assistance, involving mismanagement or non-compliance with UNDP’s legal framework;
Facilitates training programmes on Corporate and Commercial issues for UNDP staff globally, in particular regarding implications of procurement, claims/disputes and other matters handled by the Corporate and Institutional Law Practice Group;
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 commercial legal matters involving issues of privileges and immunities referred to OLA by LSO;
Provide advice on administrative law matters as requested;
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 UNDP’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.

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, policies and procedures 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 involving privileges and immunities;
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.

While the Legal Specialist reports to the Senior Legal Adviser and Head, Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice, a high degree of independence in the day-to-day work is expected although continuing dialogue and consultation with the Senior Legal Adviser is also expected and required in order to ensure consistency of advice and services. The incumbent will seek the guidance of the Senior Legal Adviser and Head, Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice and/or Director of LSO/BOM and other senior officials in 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;
Ability to function under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced degree in law (Master’s level).

Experience:

Membership of national bar; practical experience in litigation an asset;
A minimum of 7 years’ practical experience in the practice of law with a law firm, a government and/or an international organization legal office;
Extensive 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 institutional matters highly desirable;
Practical experience from UN/UNDP operations in developing countries highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Excellent command of oral and written English;
Ability to speak and draft with knowledge of legal terminology in French and/or Spanish highly desirable.