Legal Officer, Juba

• Organization: UNMISS - United Nations Mission in South Sudan
• Country: South Sudan
• City: Juba
• Office: UNMISS HQ Juba
• Grade: P-4
• Follow @UNjobs

United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)

Closing date: Wednesday, 12 October 2016

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Posting Title: LEGAL OFFICER, P4
Job Code Title: LEGAL OFFICER
Department/ Office: United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan
Duty Station: JUBA
Posting Period: 28 September 2016-12 October 2016
Job Opening number: 16-LEG-UNMISS-67229-F-JUBA (M)
Staffing Exercise ID: N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
This 'Recruit from Roster' job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Legal Officer will be based in Juba. The Legal Officer will report to the Senior Legal Advisor.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Officer and within limits of delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Handle matters involving issues of international, public, private and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of legislative and other instruments governing United Nations activities and operations, seeking guidance on complex issues from the Senior Legal Officer. Prepare legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions, which may include those related to administration and management, institutions support, procurement and contracts, peacekeeping and other operational matters, separately-administered programs and funds, etc. Perform extensive legal research and analysis and prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence. Review, advise on and draft contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities and other legal documents; as necessary, develop new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. Participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes. Represent the organization in judicial, arbitral or administrative proceedings. Serve on various standing boards and committees as required. Provide guidance to, and may supervise, junior staff. Performs other duties as required by the Chief of Staff or Senior Legal Officer.
Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and court submissions. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software applications.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork and Respect for Diversity: 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations.
  

Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law as a lawyer in a government, in an international organization or in a private practice, including legal analysis, research and writing. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognised by the United Nations. At least two years of experience in the legal office of a peacekeeping mission would be an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise may include information interview
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.