Legal Officer

Organizational context: The Registry supports the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) in Geneva, which is the first instance tribunal within the UN's internal justice system. It hears appeals from staff members against administrative decisions. The incumbent reports to the Registrar and Principal Registrar, contributing to the independent Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ).

Job purpose: The Legal Officer provides essential substantive, technical, and administrative support for the adjudication of cases before the UNDT judges in Geneva. This involves independently handling complex legal matters across international, public, private, and administrative law. The role requires extensive legal research, analysis, and the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, and submissions. The officer will advise on diverse legal questions, draft and review complex agreements, and participate in negotiations for dispute settlements. A key aspect is providing legal advice on staff regulations and rules, and supporting complex cases before arbitral and administrative proceedings, ensuring the efficient functioning of the internal justice system.

Responsibilities:
Provide substantive, technical, and administrative support for case adjudication to UNDT judges. Independently handle complex legal matters involving international, public, private, and administrative law, including instrument interpretation. Offer legal advice on administrative law, procurement, contracts, and operational matters. Conduct extensive legal research and analysis, preparing opinions, studies, and reports. Draft legal submissions and motions for investigations and prosecutions. Service diplomatic conferences and committees, preparing background materials and reports. Review, advise on, and draft complex contracts, agreements, and legal documents. Advise on and participate in negotiations for claims and dispute settlements. Provide legal advice on staff regulations and rules, reviewing administrative decisions and drafting amendments. Support complex cases before arbitral and administrative tribunals, including disciplinary and staff appeals. Serve on various committees and working groups, representing the organization as needed. Coordinate and mentor junior legal officers. Contribute to the design and review of legal instruments and policies. Analyze data to identify trends and inform planning and decision-making.

Education:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work

experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressive legal experience, preferably in administrative or employment law, is required. Three years of experience in administrative or employment/labour law within an international organization or tribunal is also required. Experience supporting judges as a legal clerk or officer, and litigation experience, are desirable.

Skills:
Professionalism, legal and administrative expertise, problem-solving, research and analysis, discretion, judgment, negotiation, communication (written and verbal), planning and organizing, attention to detail, data analysis and visualization.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French