Legal Officer, Rome

• Organization: WFP - World Food Programme
• Country: Italy
• City: Rome, Italy
• Office: WFP Rome
• Grade: P-3

 

Closing date: Thursday, 22 November 2018

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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.
Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.
ABOUT WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
This position is located in the Legal Office in Headquarters (HQ) and reports to the Division Director, Deputy Director or Senior Legal Officer. The Legal Officer will be assigned to the Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA), which provides legal services on all aspects of the employment relationship between WFP and its personnel.
P3 Legal Officers are fully qualified legal practitioners operating across an assigned area of work preparing and finalizing legal opinions and advice, except for complex and sensitive legal issues seeking clearance of branch or divisional management. P3 Legal Officers normally work directly with the branch chief and may have responsibility as a team leader of supervising junior legal officers or short-term staff. Work requires a complete understanding of the subject matter in the context of the program. P3 Legal Officers are able to adapt to policies, approaches and models to meet emerging needs of the target client community. Within established areas of responsibility, P3 Legal Officers exercise a high degree of independence and have opportunities for development through exposure to major interlocutors. Client interface focuses on maintaining relationships and projecting the image of a credible/reliable partner. Established in the subject legal field, the impact of the work reflects directly on the professionalism of the P3 Legal Officer and the overall reputation of the team for high quality work.
JOB PURPOSE
In consultation with senior Legal Officers, handle a range of legal services including interpretation and application of various instruments governing WFP activities and operations.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the general supervision of the Senior Legal Officer in LEGA, the P3 Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties, with a focus on matters relating to the legal status, rights and obligations of WFP and its employees:

• Undertake extensive legal research and analysis on a wide range of complex legal issues of a substantive and procedural nature.
• Review a variety of legal documents in order to identify relevant legal issues and risks and to ensure compliance with the applicable legal framework and jurisprudence.
• Deliver legal advice on the interpretation and application of various legal instruments, in order to meet unique client needs.
• Draft legal documents to contribute to coherence and quality of legal services.
• Assist in representing WFP in administrative or tribunal proceedings and arbitration.
• Participate in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes involving WFP and its personnel.
• Provide support to service various internal advisory bodies.
• Contribute to building productive partnerships with other Legal Offices across the UN system.
• Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:

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• Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training.
• Must be qualified to practice or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society, or have equivalent experience of professional legal practice.
• Knowledge of employment law, administrative law and international law including the UN system regulatory framework is desirable.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience practicing law within a law firm, an international organization, a governmental service or a company.
• Prior litigation experience in administrative or employment law, and experience in an international context are assets.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Advanced legal research, analysis and drafting skills.
• Demonstrated business acumen and problem-solving skills
• Solid communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, organization and time management skills.
• Adaptability and ability to work autonomously.
• Knowledge of tribunal processes and procedures.
• Tact and high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Working knowledge of either French or Spanish is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of an additional official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish and/or WFP's working language, Portuguese, is an advantage.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Non-Rotational Nature
Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as 'non-rotational' which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.
The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. He/she will be required to travel abroad sometime to remote and difficult locations.
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days' annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
22 November 2018
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Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.