Legal Officer at Office of Administration of Justice

Job Description

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: – Provide substantive, technical and administrative support for the adjudication of cases by the UNDT judges; – Review submissions to the UNDT; – Proactively review, advise on and draft on cases, legal issues, documents and correspondence; – Support Judges by preparing drafts of facts, reviewing procedural issues and submissions and gathering background materials, as required, attend meetings, case management discussions and hearings, and advise on emerging issues and questions, as required; – Identify issues, draft legal texts and handle a wide range of complex legal matters involving interpretation and application of administrative/employment law; – Conduct extensive legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence; – Provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions; – Support the Judges in producing accurate, comprehensive judgments, including review of draft judgments for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies and ensuring editorial uniformity prior to dissemination. – Respond to correspondence/queries from the parties as directed by a judge or registrar; – Assist in maintaining the registers of the UNDT (electronic and paper), the publication and dissemination of the decisions, rulings and judgments rendered by the UNDT, in the required official languages, through the agreed media; – Assist in maintaining the case law digest and jurisprudence databank of OAJ; – Perform other duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of relevant Regulations and Rules of the United Nations or those of a similar international organization; ability to produce reports and papers on legal and administrative matters; ability to analyze and conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal and administrative issues; ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to review and edit the work of others. Shows pride in work and 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 complex 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 work areas.

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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, is required. At least one year of experience in administrative or employment/labor law is required. Experience as a judicial/legal clerk, legal officer or legal professional in a related field is desirable. A minimum of one year of experience as an advocate/litigator before or at courts or tribunals is desirable.