Senior Legal Officer position is available at the General Legal Division (GLD) of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), in the Contracts and Substantial Procurement Cluster. The incumbent reports to the Principal Legal Officer and the Director of GLD.

Key Responsibilities

• Work in the area of international commercial law and independently handle a wide range of highly complex, and often sensitive legal matters
• Coordinate and direct teams of other legal officers, guide and supervise the work of junior legal officers; may assist the Director/Principal Legal Officer
• Similarly, provide authoritative legal advice on the Organization’s procurement activities, for instance, on procurement relating to logistical support requirements
• Undertake the drafting and/or supervision of drafting of highly complex or novel contracts for the procurement of goods, services and/or works
• Organize and supervise research studies and the preparation of legal opinions, as well as performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions
• Likewise, advise on and supervise the review, negotiation and drafting of legal instruments, documents or submissions

Qualifications and Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law or related area. Or, a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience
• Admittance to the Bar of a Member State of the United Nations, or otherwise qualified to practice law is necessary
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in commercial law (including international commercial law), business or corporate law, including related legal analysis, research and writing, to be obtained either in the legal office of an international intergovernmental organization, a law firm or a Government is a requirement.
• Furthermore, experience providing comprehensive general legal services on commercial matters to an international organization is required.
• Also, experience in working with the status and the privileges and immunities of international organizations is desirable.
• Fluency in English is a requirement. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.