LEGAL OFFICER, P3

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) is the guardian of UNEP's corporate interest, mitigating its exposure to risk and supporting the organization with management tools, plans and related capacity building. It oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management, in line with UNEP's accountability requirements, rules, regulations and UN core values. This position is located in the Corporate Services Division, Legal Unit in the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Providing legal advice on UNEP corporate and institutional matters • Provides legal advice to UNEP entities, including to secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, on legal instruments and application of UN’s legal and regulatory framework. • Drafts and negotiates legal instruments (MoUs, agreements and contracts etc.) with Member States, NGOs, other UN entities, private entities and academia, in accordance with the UN’s legal regulatory framework, including the Charter of the United Nations, UN Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules, the UNEP Partnership Policy and the UNEP Private Sector Engagement Policy. • Advises on legal issues arising from the vetting of UNEP partners and prepares relevant legal instruments with such partners. • Provides legal advice and support to the UNEP Partnership Committee, which includes the interpretation and implementation of the UNEP Partnership Policy and Procedures. • Advises on legal issues arising from UNEP procurement, and reviews and drafts procurement contracts to be signed on behalf of UNEP. • Advises on intellectual property issues, such as copyright and use of the UN name and emblem, arising from UNEP activities. • Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepares relevant legal advice and correspondence. • Provides guidance to more junior staff. 2. Representing the Organization in the UN Internal Justice System • Represents the Organization with respect to UNEP personnel matters brought before the UN Management Advice and Evaluation Section, the UN Dispute Tribunal which includes reviewing the Organization’s replies to personnel, and the drafting respondent replies, motions and submissions and assessing relevant evidence in support. • Negotiates and drafts settlement agreements to settle UNEP personnel matters. • Provides legal advice on other human resources and internal administrative law matters. 3. Advising on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Harassment and UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigative matters. • Advises on legal issues arising from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and OIOS matters concerning UNEP. • Liaises with UN system-wide entities, such as the Office of the Special Coordinator on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and the Victims' Rights Advocate. • Raises organizational awareness on PSEA matters through targeted communications, training sessions, and awareness campaigns. • Drafts the Annual Report on Fraud and Corruption. • Monitors and reports on the implementation of the UNEP PSEA Action Plan and related initiatives. • Conducts preliminary assessment of cases referred to UNEP by OIOS and prepares legal advice to the UNEP Executive Director on appropriate action. • Advises on legal issues concerning OIOS investigations, external and internal audit matters, UN evaluations and inspections. • Drafts responses to reports from the UN oversight bodies and coordinates UNEP compliance with the relevant recommendations. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs, is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience is required. Experience in providing legal advice on matters relating to the legal framework of the United Nations or similar international organizations, including engagement with the private sector, is desirable. Experience in drafting and negotiating a broad range of legal instruments, including (memoranda of understanding, agreements and contracts etc.) with Member States, non-governmental organizations, United Nations entities, private sector entities and academic institutions, is desirable. Experience working on the legal and policy aspects of human resource management is desirable. Experience in providing legal advice and support on matters relating to investigations conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice Appointment against this project position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/ Al/2013/1 on Administration of fixed term appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixedterm positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. 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When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.