Job Title:
LEGAL OFFICER, P4
Department/ Office:
United Nations Office at Nairobi
Duty Station:
NAIROBI
Posting Period:
14 June 2012-13 August 2012
Job Opening number:
12-LEG-UNON-24029-R-NAIROBI (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN Headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services. (www.unon.org). This position is located in the Division of Administrative Services (DAS), Human Resources Management Service.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief Human Resources Management Service, the Legal Officer represents the Secretary-General in appeals before the UN Dispute Tribunal. Duties include: preparing written and oral submissions to the UN Dispute Tribunal, ensuring that they meet procedural requirements and identifying, where applicable, cases that are amenable to informal resolution; conducting extensive legal research and analysis and preparing documentation and correspondence relevant to such appeals, based on the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions, United Nations Dispute and Appeals Tribunal judgments and the judgments of other international administrative tribunals, staff regulations and rules, administrative issuances and relevant priciples of law. Further, the incumbent also prepares legal advice on human resources and administrative matters with a view to facilitating early resolution. The Legal Officer will assist in maintaining the Unit’s registers and databases (electronic and on-line) and perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: In depth knowledge of all relevant Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, as well as applicable jurisprudence; good theoretical knowledge of international law (preferably administrative and/or employment and labour law), in particular the application of legal principles, concepts and policies and litigation of a range of legal issues; sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential material. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of relatively complex and intricate issues. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal and administrative issues; proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner, including ability to draft/prepare briefing notes, presentations, legal submissions and reports and to communicate effectively orally; ability to review and edit the work of others. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Accountability:Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, 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 law, preferably administrative law, including litigation experience, is required. Experience with United Nations staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations is required.
Languages
English and French are the working Languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.
How to Apply:
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=24029&
Deadline: 13th August 2012
