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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.  Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Legal Officer will be assigned to the Maritime, Transport and Insurance Law Branch (LEGM).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, Head of LEGM, the P4 Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Carry out research and provide comprehensive and timely advice on a variety of complex legal matters relating to chartering, shipping, aviation, land transport, logistics, insurance, procurement, commercial and contracting law;
• Handle a wide range of cases and disputes with – among others – Suppliers under purchase contracts for food and non-food items, with Service Providers, Carriers (sea, air, land), Stevedoring/Handling Companies, etc… through amicable discussions or litigation;
• Provide advice and participate in negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities to ensure WFP’s position is explained and defended.
• Conduct/engage in litigation proceedings, including liaising with external counsel where appropriate.
• Prepare legal opinions, reports, memoranda and other correspondence;
• Draft and/or review a variety of legal documents, including legal motions/submissions, manuals, policies, guidelines, procedures, agreements and contracts;
• Study legal issues relating to the interpretation or application of relevant rules, laws, international conventions and agreements;
• Provide legal interpretation on a full range of issues regarding WFP’s various internal Regulations, Rules and Policies, including the General Regulations, Financial Regulations, Rules, Circulars and Directives ;
• Provide advice to country offices, HQ units on a wide variety of issues;
• Assist in commodity management actions;
• Participate to the supervision, coaching and training of more junior staff members;
• Facilitate awareness of potential liability exposure and proactive minimization of risk within the organization;
• Perform other related duties (like facilitating training sessions for other Units or Divisions), as required by the Legal Office.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Advanced University degree in the discipline of law or University degree in the discipline of law with experience and advanced training in private commercial law , international trade law and maritime law.
• Qualified to practice law or admitted to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society.

Experience: 

• At least 8 years (of which a minimum of 3 years in an international context) of relevant experience in maritime law, private commercial law and international trade law matters.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination and processing of a range of legal documents
• Demonstrated ability to draft complex legal documents that are clear, concise and adapted to context
• In-depth knowledge of various legal research sources, techniques and ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments and draft legal papers
• Strong negotiation skills and problem-solving approach
• Independent decision-making skills
• Ability to think strategically
• Business acumen
• Strong time-management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High standards of ethics and values

Language: 

• Working knowledge (written and oral proficiency/Level C) of English and French is required.
• Knowledge (intermediate/Level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, Spanish, Chinese or Russian) is an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Non - Rotational 

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.

Terms and Conditions

The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

31st March 2019