Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Position: Principal Legal Officer, Codification Division, in UN Office of Legal Affairs (Deadline June 15, 2013)




Job Title:                      PRINCIPAL LEGAL OFFICER, D1
Department/ Office:  Office of Legal Affairs
Duty Station:               NEW YORK
Posting Period:            16 April 2013-15 June 2013
Job Opening number:     13-LEG-OLA-27371-R-NEW YORK (R)




Organizational Setting
 
This position is located in the Codification Division, Office of Legal Affairs. The Principal Legal Officer will report to the Director of the Division.
 
Responsibilities
 
As Principal Legal Officer in the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs, the incumbent deals with legal activities concerning progressive development of international law and its codification carried out within the framework of the International Law Commission, Sixth (Legal) Committee of the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs as envisaged in article 13.1(a) of the Charter of the United Nations. The incumbent's principal functions include: preparing, coordinating and supervising research activities on various complex and topical subjects of international law requiring a wide range of multi-disciplinary approach and understanding of their policy implications, legal publications and documentations for the International Law Commission, Sixth Committee, special and ad hoc committees; providing substantive servicing to the International Law Commission, Sixth Committee, special and ad hoc committees, assisting the Chair and the Bureau of these bodies with organization, planning and conduct of the meetings; responding to queries from government delegates in the course of the meetings; participating in inter-departmental committees for coordination of the work of the main committees; assisting and advising the Director in planning and coordinating the administration and management of the Codification Division; and providing general guidance and supervision for the staff of the Division.
 
Competencies
 
Professionalism:
- Comprehensive and in-depth theoretical knowledge of international law, as well as practical application of legal principles, concepts and policy to a range of legal issues in the area of public international law.
- In-depth knowledge of the process of progressive development of international law and its codification is essential.
- Outstanding analytical and drafting skills. Proven ability to design research projects, conduct and supervise such research on a variety of complex and intricate international law issues with special emphasis on areas relevant to progressive development and codification of international law.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of legal briefs and studies on multi-dimensional, complex and sensitive legal issues and instruments under negotiation.

Communication:
-Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
-Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
-Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
-Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
-Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently

Leadership:
-Serves as a role model that other people want to follow
-Empowers others to translate vision into results
-Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives
-Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support
-Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions
-Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo
-Shows the courage to take unpopular stands
- Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
- Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing

Managing Performance:
- Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority
-Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member
-Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills
-Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
-Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff
-Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative
-Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff
-Appraises performance fairly
 
Education
 
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A doctorate with a published thesis in public international law is highly desirable.
 
Work Experience
 
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience, including in supervisory positions, in the field of public international law is required. Extensive experience and a thorough understanding of the UN system is required. Experience in management and supervision of staff in a multicultural institution is highly desirable. Publications on topics of public international law are highly desirable. Participation in activities of learned societies and lecturing on topics of public international law is an asset.

Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.
 
Languages
 
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
 
Assessment Method
 
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a competency-based interview.
 
Special Notice
 
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.
 
United Nations Considerations
 
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
 

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