Head of Employment & Administrative Law

World Food Programme; Roma; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Food Programme is seeking a Chief of Branch for the LEGA portfolio, based at its Global Headquarters in Rome. The role provides authoritative legal advice on employment frameworks and internal instruments, including handling of contentious personnel matters and litigation strategy.

Individual will lead a team, ensure quality guidance, and coordinate with senior management and external counsel. John D.

Qualifications

• At least 11 years of progressively responsible legal experience in employment and administrative law.
• Experience in an international organisation; knowledge of staff rules and dispute resolution.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of a second official UN language or Portuguese.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal advice on interpretation and application of WFP Staff Rules and Regulations, staff circulars, administrative issuances, and related HR policy instruments.
• Lead legal support on contentious matters including litigation and dispute resolution; develop strategy and coordinate proceedings.
• Supervise drafting, review, and quality control of written submissions for the ILOAT and other bodies; coordinate with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Promote risk-informed decision-making and provide practical advice to internal clients on sensitive personnel matters.
• Coordinate with UN system counterparts on employment and administrative law matters; align with wider organizational programmes and priorities.

Skills

Employment law

Administrative law

Dispute resolution

Staff rules

Analytical skills

Drafting skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Education

Advanced university degree in Law

First university degree in law with additional relevant experience

Job description

The World Food Programme is seeking a Chief of Branch for the LEGA portfolio, based at its Global Headquarters in Rome. The role provides authoritative legal advice on employment frameworks and internal instruments, including handling of contentious personnel matters and litigation strategy.

Individual will lead a team, ensure quality guidance, and coordinate with senior management and external counsel. John D.