Legal Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To provide the legal input, during the planning and implementation of the Organization's activities, so as to facilitate effective co-operation between those taking part - Member States, international bodies, international officials, collaborating institutions and individuals and commercial entities; to ensure that the activities are carried out on a firm legal basis; to protect the Organization's legal interests and defend it from legal action.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision identified above, theLegal Officer will support the work of the International Administrative Law section with particular regard to the legal work required for the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. Specifically, the (junior) Officer will\:

-  Assist in preparing legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions, which may include matters related to WHO governance and rules of procedure, diplomatic privileges and immunities, national legal systems, contractual arrangements, intellectual property issues, publications, planned collaborations, institutions support, policies and procedures, and other operational matters;

- Prepare legal briefs and reports with regards to WHA and EB documents;

- Draft notes, opinions, memoranda on legal questions, for consideration by the Principal Legal Officer and/or the Legal Counsel;

- Perform extensive legal research and analysis and assist by preparing legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence;

- Assist with the preparing and filing of statements and motions before international courts and other appeals bodies;

- Assist in the development of new legal forms and templates, as required, in English and French;

- Participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes;

- Any other activity as deemed appropriate by the Principal Legal Officer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Basic University degree in law or related field.
Desirable\: Advanced degree in law.

Experience

Essential\: A minimum of 1 year relevant working experience in a legal area.
Desirable\: Previous legal work experience in WHO is desirable given the context of the WHO internal justice system and staff related matters.

Skills

Good knowledge of legal principles and ability to conceptualize, analyse and draft legal briefs, contractual documents and correspondence; analytical ability and ability to present information in a clear and logical manner; excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; tact and high degree of discretion and confidentiality; good team player; flexibility and easy adaptation to shifting priorities.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Setting an example

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.
 

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 35,998 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2529 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220./ul>