Legal Consultant 1

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, color, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: UN World Food Programme (WFP) and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

We are seeking to fill a junior consultancy position within our Legal Office (LEG), based in WFP’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The Legal Office is organized in three branches that advise on the various aspects of WFP’s work:

• The Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA) provides advice to management on all aspects of the employment relationship between WFP and its employees;]
• The Contractual and Constitutional Law Branch (LEGC) provides advice on all aspects of WFP’s internal governance, private sector partnerships, commercial and other contractual activities, including cash-based transfer programmes, treasury functions, and communications; and
• The Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM) provides advice on all aspects of WFP’s supply chain activities, including procurement (food, goods & services), maritime, aviation, logistics (inland transportation, storage and warehousing), United Nations Humanitarian Response Depots and insurance.

The Junior Legal Consultant will be assigned to LEGC. The role will be diverse and will involve providing legal advice and working on a variety of matters covered by LEGC, including those related to private-sector partnerships.

The Junior Legal Consultant may, however, work on assignments in other branches and areas of activity within LEG, based on business needs and expressed personal interests.
 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of a Legal Officer, the Junior Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Undertake legal research and analysis; work on a range of legal matters including interpretation and application of various legal instruments to support the provision of quality legal services;
• Review legal documents, identify and analyze important issues, present findings and recommendations for internal review to support the decision-making process;
• Assist with the preparation of legal opinions or advice on a wide range of legal issues; 
• Assist with the negotiation and preparation of agreements and contracts with public and private entities including private sector partners, governments, other UN organisations and NGOs, financial institutions, digital payments providers and other commercial entities, and assist with contractual interpretation and disputes to meet unique client needs;
• Assist with the identification of potential liabilities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties, and assist in the management of risks in WFP’s activities to facilitate well-informed decisions;
• Assist in the preparation of negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities;
• Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work; and
• Other, as required

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: University degree in Law.

Qualification: Qualification to practice law or admission to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or society is desirable.

Work Experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience in the field of law.

Knowledge Skills: 

• Legal research, analysis and drafting skills.
• Articulate and concise thinking.
• Good planning, organization and time management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tact and a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
• Adaptability and ability to work on a wide range of legal issues.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is a plus.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required. Fluency (level C) in oral and written French and/or Spanish and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
The deadline for applications is 8 May 2024

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.