ASSOCIATE LEGAL OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Innovation and Research Coordination Unit in the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The incumbent reports to the Senior Coordinator of the Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority the Associate Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducts legal research on a diverse range of assigned issues in international trade law and other area(s) of specialization using multiple research sources; selects relevant material, analyzes information and presents findings for internal review.
• Assists in the analysis and interprets primary and secondary legislation, policy instruments, and international treaties, mostly related to trade, to identify ramifications for global economy.
• Collates national level trade policy changes to maintain database of trade tariffs and non-tariff-measures.
• Contributes producing to legal analysis and assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, etc, on trade and development issues and on the implications of trade policy change around the globe and their potential effects in developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries, Small Islands Development States and Landlocked Developing Countries.
• Assist in the coordination of cross-Divisional research. Assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of international public and private law issues, including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions involving, inter alia, issues relating to privileges and immunities, peace and security, institutional questions, treaty law and practice, procedural issues arising during meetings of United Nations organs, constitutional and administrative law of the Organization.
• Assists in administering programmes of legal technical assistance.
• Assists in servicing conferences, commissions, committees, task forces and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, etc.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of international trade rules, Free Trade Agreements, economic theories and their applications. Ability to examine national trade policies, vis à vis international trade treaties. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to make technical trade and economic issues accessible to wider audiences. 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. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in trade law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience working on investment and trade policy issues, particularly on tariffs and non-tariff measures is desirable. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience working on issues related to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is desirable. Experience working on gender and development issues is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.