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SENIOR LEGAL OFFICER / CHIEF OF SECTION

Paris

  • Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • Location: Paris
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Legal - Broad
  • Closing Date: Closed

UNESCO has retained Impactpool to conduct a search for a suitably qualified individual to undertake the position of Senior Legal Officer / Chief of Section

This post assists the Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs to lead the programme of work and is responsible for providing strategic and technical leadership on general legal matters. The Senior Legal Officer and Chief of Section shall  provide authoritative advice to management and the governing bodies of UNESCO and leadership, direction and supervision to the general legal team as appropriate. For this purpose, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following essential tasks\:

  • Represent the Director of the Office and provide legal advice on complex issues for the Director-General, other departments within UNESCO, the governing bodies and the treaty bodies relating to institutional matters (UNESCO's mandate and constitution, logo and emblem, membership and privileges and immunities) and corporate and commercial law.
  • Provide substantive legal advice in the management and the implementation of UNESCO’s contracting strategy and policy, including reviewing, negotiating and developing new contract modalities and templates (e.g., contracts for procurement, funding agreements).
  • Provide advice and assistance in resolving procedural and substantive legal questions arising at UNESCO's governing bodies and other meetings under the auspices of UNESCO including treaty bodies.
  • Coordinate, approve and undertake research on issues relating to the functions, structure and activities of UNESCO. Such issues may relate to the general field or specialized aspects of constitutional, international, public and private law.
  • Draft, review and negotiate the legal aspects (relevant to the functions of the General Legal Section) of agreements and official documents, which have been provided to the Office for comments or clearance.
  • Prepare and review briefs and represent UNESCO in proceedings before courts of law and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies.
  • Provide legal input into the development and implementation of the Organization's strategy and policy, including in the areas of procurement, management and support services and contracts, and privileges and immunities.
  • Provides training in legal matters for field offices in the areas of the Section.

EDUCATION

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Law.
  • A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • At least 10 years of relevant legal experience dealing with general legal matters in the legal department of an intergovernmental organization (or in such an organization, combined with a previous experience in a law firm).
  • 5 years of experience in an international environment.
  • Confirmed experience in leading, managing and motivating staff and teams.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French, including the drafting/reviewing of legal text and/or the preparation of oral presentations on complex legal issues.
  • Ability to manage and meet deadlines and to work under pressure.
  • Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations and to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials.
  • Ability to work with a team and maintain effective working relationships in an international and multicultural environment.

LANGUAGES

  • Excellent knowledge of English or French and very good knowledge of the other.

EDUCATION

  • Specialized training or diploma in international law, contract law or commercial law.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in contract drafting, negotiating and reviewing and in the preparation of legal opinions on issues related to general law.
  • Experience in advising intergovernmental bodies on rules of procedure.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

  • Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations of the UN System.

 

Key Steps in the Selection Process

If you wish to be considered for this position, please forward a copy of your CV and a supporting letter along with any relevant documentation to executives@impactpool.org. We recommend that you indicate your interest as soon as possible and at the latest by June 25th. All information will be in the strictest confidence as we pride ourselves on our professional service. We will revert to you as soon as feasible when we have reviewed your application.

This vacancy is now closed.
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