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**Job no**: 551125
**Contract type**: Temporary Appointment
**Duty Station**: Geneva
**Level**: P-2
**Location**: Switzerland
**Categories**: Legal Affairs

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

**For every child, commitment**

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The Legal Officer (P-2) reports to the Legal Affairs Specialist (P-3). The position is in the Office of the Executive Director, Legal Team, New York. This post is out-posted to Geneva.

**How can you make a difference?**

Under the supervision of the Legal Affairs Specialist o/p GVA, and as part of a dedicated team, the Legal Officer will provide guidance and advice on institutional and commercial procurement, donor agreements and contracts related to programme support and project implementation to ensure adherence to organizational financial, procurement, contracting and legal policies, rules and procedures; and to ensure that the organization is protected from legal exposure.

1. Independently, and in support of more senior members of the Office, advise and provide support on contracts and other legal instruments, agreements, and arrangements (including but not limited to funding agreements with private sector donors and other international organizations) by developing draft agreements and term sheets, identifying risks and possible mitigation strategies and proposing these to more senior members of the Office, and other tasks.

2. Independently, and in support of more senior members of the Office, advise on the legal dimensions of establishment, structure and implementation of UNICEF collaborations with external partners including but not limited to other UN organisations (including international financial institutions), civil society, and the private sector (such as, by way of example only, in connection with the design and establishment of UNICEF shared value partnerships) by developing draft agreements and term sheets, identifying risks and possible mitigation strategies and proposing these to more senior members of the Office, and other tasks.

3. Support more senior members of the Office in advising on the resolution of disputes, particularly those disputes involving possible liability for the Organisation (under the general guidance of the General Counsel and the Senior Legal Affairs Specialist).

4. Independently, and in support of more senior members of the Office, advise on the legal interpretation of decisions, regulations, rules, procedures, and pertinent administrative instructions.

5. Other duties in relation to legal support and advice as directed.

**To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have**
- Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent is required). First level university degree in law d in a relevant field of law (e.g. international law, commercial law) with additional two years of experience may be accepted;
- A minimum of two (2) years professional experience practicing in a relevant field. Experience in the UN system or in private practice or as in-house counsel in private industry is highly desirable.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, in particular Spanish or Portuguese, is an asset.
- Thorough knowledge of international legal procedures and instrumentExcellent verbal communication and negotiation skills
- Client orientation; constructive approach to resolution of problems
- Ability to work with utmost discretion in handing sensitive and confidential matters
- Excellent interpersonal skills with