Legal Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA). The incumbent reports to the Principal Legal Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides expert verbal and written advice to the Director, Principal Officers and other senior officials, to assist in the promotion, consistent application and effective implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related agreements on ocean issues.
• Assists in the formulation of policy, and in the design of programme activities with respect to the legal and other aspects of ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
• Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare or assist in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, comparative analysis, briefs, teaching materials and correspondence dealing with legal and other aspects of the Convention and its implementation.
• Reviews legal documents, instruments, or other material relating to ocean affairs and the law of the sea.
• Services the intergovernmental or expert meetings dealing with ocean affairs and the law of the sea issues, such as meetings and conferences convened under the Convention and pursuant to relevant General Assembly resolutions, including Meetings of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, sessions of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf and meetings of its sub commissions, assist in the preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting reports, etc.
• Provides assistance to States regarding legal issues relating to the implementation of the Convention or related capacity-building needs, in consultation with Senior Legal Officers.
• Coordinates and direct teams of other legal officers dealing with significant problems as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior officers on specific projects.
• Represents the Organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including knowledge on the law of the sea with practical application of legal principles and concepts to a range of legal issues in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, indictments or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in international law, of which a minimum of five years should be in the field of law of the sea and ocean related matters at the international level is required.
• Experience in substantive servicing of intergovernmental meetings as well as editorial experience regarding international law publications is required.
• Experience in the organization of international trainings and seminars on ocean affairs and the law of the sea, as well experience monitoring developments concerning international relations is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.