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Legal Senior Officer

New York City

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Junior level - IICA-1, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Legal - Broad
    • Legal
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the overall guidance of the Corporate Legal Advisor and Head of the Commercial and Institutional Law Practice, the incumbent shall be responsible for the provision of expert advice to internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and external partners. The incumbent must keep a balance between operational implementation efficiencies and policy/rules requirements, but also contribute towards long-term solutions by leading the development and improvement of policies and processes for efficient project implementation. The incumbent must be able to develop new policies or projects approaches but also assess the quality of deliverables. The incumbent will undertake a number of core functions, including reviewing UNOPS documents where such advice is required, and managing disputes brought against the organization by contractors and third parties.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions  

  • Review and draft agreements with vendors, clients and other partners; 

  • Review, draft and advise on global agreements with new and existing funding sources; 

  • Under the guidance of the Corporate Legal Advisor, provide legal advice on the application of UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, in particular related to procurement and contracting;

  • Review bid protests, liaise with the relevant offices, lead the formulation of responses to bid protestors; 

  • Analyze disputes and claims related to procurement and service contracts;

  • Review documents submitted to the Engagement Acceptance Committee as requested by the Corporate Legal Advisor;

  • Advise on the development and implementation of the framework for delegations of authority, including on the development of related policies and the correct use of such authority by UNOPS personnel; 

  • Assist with the development and improvement of UNOPS legislative framework; 

  • Assist with due diligence processes conducted on prospective partners, devise new tools to address UNOPS’ needs; 

  • Support the implementation of UNOPS standards and coordination and review of audit responses;

  • Support the organization of training for UNOPS personnel on legal-related topics;

  • Perform other tasks as required. 


Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:
  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law with 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience: 
  • Relevant experience is defined as experience as a lawyer/counselor in commercial or international law, including legal analysis, advice, research or drafting of legal texts.
  • Experience in conducting or advising on issues relating to public procurement is desired;
  • Experience in reviewing bid protest is desired;
  • Experience in the pharmaceutical sector is desired; 
Language:
  • Fluency in English and Spanish (reading, speaking and reading) is required.    
  • Knowledge of French is desirable.


Competencies


Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contract Agreement 
Contract level: I-ICA 1 Contract duration: 1 year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 


Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • 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.
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
  • UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
  • 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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.


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