HR Legal Specialist

The UNOPS Legal Group (LG) leads UNOPS’s legal strategy and practice. The core functions of LG are:

a. Articulate legal policies and processes; enable operationalization and managerial oversight through appropriate systems and reports; provide corporate advice and guidance; and strengthen the knowledge, skills and career development of legal practitioners; and

b. Enable the organization’s legal and contracting activities to execute the organization’s business strategy. 

Summary of Key Functions 

Under the supervision of the General Counsel and the senior HR Legal Specialist, the incumbent will serve as focal point for human resources matters having legal implications, independently handling a wide range of complex legal matters including interpretation and application of regulations, rules and other policies. The incumbent’s responsibilities will include:

• Advising UNOPS managers and HR personnel on substantive and procedural questions related to the management and administration of UNOPS personnel, including the rights and responsibilities, of UNOPS personnel.
• Serving as focal point for all legal questions related to personnel grievances, harassment, and conduct.
• Advising the UNOPS Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) on procedural requirements of investigations.
• Assisting the HR Legal Specialist on disciplinary matters in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Identifying cases that are amenable to informal resolution, and negotiating possible settlements.
• Drafting submissions to the UN Dispute Tribunal.
• Reviewing draft agreements with substantial human resources components.
• Conducting legal research and providing detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence.
• Performing any other duties as requested.

Education:
 

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law is required.
• A first level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) and additional two years' experience in the practice of law may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Professional certification:

Licensed to practice law in a national jurisdiction (or eligible to become licensed immediately).

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in legal practice.
• These 5 years must include practical advocacy experience in litigation. 

Language requirements

• Excellent command of oral and written English.
• Working knowledge of Spanish or French would be a strong advantage.
  

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.