Reporting LinesThe Legal Officer reports to the Legal Counsel (LEG).Technical FocusInternational law and law of international organizations, including international administrative law.Key ResultsThe provision of legal advice on questions pertaining to the Organization's mandate.Key Functions Reviews a wide range of multidiscipline and complex legal matters involving issues of international, public, private, and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments (both substantive and procedural).Provides legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to administration and management, institutions support, procurement, contracts and other operational matters.Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence; provides legal advice to the Member Nations.Reviews and advises on and drafts complex contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities or legal pleadings/submissions and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances.Advises on, and participates in, negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes, recommends legal course of action/approach, legal text for terms and conditions of contracts, etc.Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of LEG and represents the Organization in meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
Specific Functions Provides legal advice on matters linked to FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies, prepares relevant documentation and consults with counterparts in other United Nations Specialized Agencies and other relevant entities as appropriate.Provides legal advice on matters related to FAO's operations and status, including on questions related to privileges and immunities of the Organization and that of its personnel, as well as on the conclusion of host country agreements and operational arrangements.Prepares or reviews, as appropriate, the submissions of the World Food Programme (WFP) in response to appeals filed within the internal justice system and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Advises on the legal aspects of human resources related matters, including on disciplinary processes, policy review and clearance, and other requests as required.Reviews sections of the Administrative Manual, provides support with the management of the Administrative Manual and prepares related correspondence, when appropriate.Supervises and guides junior staff and consultants and reviews their work in this context.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements Advanced university degree in law.
A first level university degree in law combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience and with completion of professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Seven years of relevant legal experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contract law.Working knowledge (full proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies Results FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.Extent and relevance of experience in international law, law of international organizations and/or international administrative law.Working knowledge (full proficiency - level C) of French or Spanish is desirable.Extent and relevance of experience in litigation and in alternative settlement of disputes.Ability to carry out legal research and analysis.Ability to write clear and concise reports and experience in drafting legal texts (legislative and regulatory instruments).
_________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________ GENERAL INFORMATION Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:• Dependency allowances• Rental subsidy• Education grant for children• Home leave travel• 30 working days of annual leave per year• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund• International health insurance; optional life insurance• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce.
FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization.
This includes: • elements of family-friendly policies• flexible working arrangements• standards of conduct._________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________