Legal Officer

OVERVIEW Post Number : LA 018 Grade : P-4 Parent Sector : Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Law Type of contract : Fixed Term Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31-AUG-2020 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST Under the overall authority of the Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) and the direct supervision and general guidance of the Chief of the General Legal Affairs Section, the work of the incumbent involves research and analysis of a wide range of legal issues related to the functions, structure and the activities of the Organization. For this purpose, the incumbent will be required to:

Provide legal advice on questions arising in connection with the application and the interpretation of the basic texts of the Organization and other institutional matters such as decisions and resolutions of governing bodies, the use of the name and logo, privileges and immunities and various strategies of the Organization.
Provide legal advice on, negotiate and draft various types of contracts, including complex contracts for procurement of goods and/or services, agreements with various partners, funding agreements, seat agreements, host country agreements for the convening of meetings.
Provide advice in the handling of disputes or potential disputes within the Section’s mandate.
Provide legal advice and support to UNESCO governing bodies and sub-organs as well as to UNESCO treaty bodies.
Perform any other duties that may be required to ensure the success and functioning of LA’s activities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Communication (C) Making quality decisions (M) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in Law.

Work Experience

At least seven (7) years of relevant legal experience dealing with general legal matters in the legal department of an intergovernmental organization or in a law firm, of which preferably at least 3 years acquired at international level.

Skills & Competencies

Interpersonal skills and demonstrated analytical skills concerning the application of legal texts.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively and work well under pressure.
Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations and to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Education

Specialized training or diploma in international law or contract law.

Work Experience

Experience in contract drafting, negotiating and reviewing and in the preparation of legal opinions on issues related to general law, in the framework of an intergovernmental organization.
Experience in advising intergovernmental bodies on rules of procedure.

Skills & Competencies

Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations of the UN System.

Languages

Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. APPLY HERE

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