Legal Officer

Reporting Lines

The Legal Officer reports to the Deputy Legal Counsel or another more senior Legal Officer as designated by the Legal Counsel.

Technical Focus

Public international law, law of international organizations / constitutional law, international administrative law and contract law.

Key Results

The provision of legal advice and support on questions pertaining to the Organization's constitutional and legal framework, and its status as a specialized agency of the United Nations system.

Key Functions

• Assists senior legal officers to prepare and provide advice on various legal issues including on aspects of public international law and international administrative law.
• Conducts legal research and analysis on questions relating to public international law, international administrative law, the law of international organizations, and international treaty law, having regard to the FAO Basic texts, relevant international treaties and practices.
• Assists senior legal officers in the review and drafting of legal opinions, agreements, contracts, pleadings, formal correspondence and other legal documents, identifying important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc. on matters falling within the above-listed areas of law.
• Assists senior colleagues in servicing meetings of Governing and Statutory Bodies, conferences, expert groups and other bodies, including in the preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting reports, etc.
• Performs other duties, as required.

Specific Functions

• Prepares 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 legal advice on a variety of issues arising from complex contractual arrangements, including for the receipt of voluntary contributions, as well as modalities for collaboration with a variety of partners including the private sector, and the development of innovative modalities to promote FAO's operations and meet unique needs / circumstances supporting delivery of FAO's mandate as appropriate.
• Advises on the legal aspects of human resources related matters, including on appeals filed within the internal justice system and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization, disciplinary processes, policy review and clearance, and other requests as required.
• Prepares 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.

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Candidates will be Assessed Against the Following

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) 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.
• Three years of relevant legal experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contract law.
• Working knowledge (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 Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical / Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Working knowledge (proficient level C) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) an advantage.
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing legal advice on issues of public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contracts, preferably in an international setting.
• Extent of knowledge of the United Nations system, and the work of a legal office of an intergovernmental organization.
• Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is an advantage.
• Ability to carry out legal research and analysis.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting, reviewing and advising on legal texts and issues, including on matters involving considerable complexity.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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General Information

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO 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. This includes :
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.

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