LEGAL OFFICER full-time

Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s Corporate Services Division (CSD) is the guardian of UNEP’s corporate interest, mitigating its exposure to risk and supporting the organization with management tools, plans and related capacity building. It oversees UNEP’s efficient and effective management, in line with UNEP’s accountability requirements, rules, regulations and UN core values. This position is located in the Corporate Services Division, Legal Unit in the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, the incumbent will provide legal research, advisory and drafting support on a broad range of institutional, administrative, operational and corporate legal matters and will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities
1. Providing legal advice on UNEP corporate and institutional matters • Provides legal advice and support to UNEP divisions, offices and secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements on the interpretation and application of the legal and regulatory framework of the United Nations. • Conducts legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, briefs, reports, studies, correspondence and other legal documents. • Drafts, reviews and assists in the negotiation of legal instruments, including Memoranda of Understanding, cooperation agreements, contribution agreements, hosting agreements, procurement contracts and other legal arrangements with Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and private sector entities. • Reviews partnership proposals and assists in providing legal advice concerning UNEP partnerships and related due diligence requirements. • Assists in providing legal support to the UNEP Partnership Committee, including interpretation of applicable policies, procedures and administrative issuances. • Provides legal advice on procurement-related matters and reviews procurement contracts and related documentation. • Assists in providing legal advice on intellectual property matters, including copyright issues and use of the United Nations name and emblem. 2. Administrative and Internal Justice Matters • Provides legal advice on administrative law, human resources and staff management matters. • Assists in the handling of personnel-related disputes and administrative review processes. • Assists in representing the Organization in personnel matters before the Management Evaluation process and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, including conducting legal research, reviewing evidence and preparing draft submissions, motions and responses. • Assists in settlement discussions and the preparation of settlement agreements relating to personnel matters. 3. Advising on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Harassment and UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigative matters. • Provides legal research, analysis and advice on matters arising from OIOS investigations, audits, inspections, evaluations and other oversight activities affecting UNEP. • Assists in the review of matters referred by oversight bodies and prepares legal analyses, briefing notes and draft advice for consideration by the Senior Legal Officer and senior management. • Provides legal support in relation to fraud, corruption, accountability, misconduct and compliance matters affecting UNEP operations. • Assists in the preparation of responses to reports issued by oversight bodies and supports follow-up on the implementation of relevant recommendations. • Assists in the preparation of reports relating to fraud prevention, accountability, oversight and organizational compliance, including contributions to corporate reporting requirements. • Provides legal advice and support on matters relating to Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Sexual Harassment and other misconduct-related issues within UNEP. • Supports the Legal Section’s engagement with relevant United Nations entities dealing with PSEA, misconduct and victims’ rights matters. • Contributes to the development and delivery of awareness-raising activities, training initiatives and communications relating to PSEA and organizational accountability matters. • Assists in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of UNEP’s PSEA-related initiatives, action plans and other accountability measures. • Conducts legal research and prepares advice concerning disciplinary, misconduct and investigative matters, as assigned and under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer. 4. Across all areas of work • Provides guidance and support to more junior personnel and interns, as appropriate. • Collects and analyses data to identify trends or patterns and prepare reports, presentations and other analytical products to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related 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 various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyse information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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 or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing, is required. Experience in providing legal advice on administrative law, human resources and staff management matters, is required. Experience in assisting with the representation of the Organization in personnel matters before the Management Evaluation process and the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, including conducting legal research, reviewing evidence and preparing draft submissions, motions and responses, is required. Experience in drafting, reviewing and assisting in the negotiation of legal instruments, including Memoranda of Understanding, cooperation agreements, contribution agreements, hosting agreements, procurement contracts and other legal arrangements with Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions and private sector entities, is required. Experience in providing legal advice and support on matters relating to investigations conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), or a similar entity in an international organization is desirable. Experience in advising on legal issues arising from Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse at the UN or a similar international organization, including matters involving OIOS, or a similar entity, is desirable. Experience in providing legal support in relation to fraud, corruption, accountability, misconduct and compliance matters affecting UN operations or similar international organizations, is desirable. Experience in providing legal advice on matters relating to partnerships by the United Nations or similar international organizations with the private sector, is desirable. Experience in assisting in the provision of legal advice on intellectual property matters, including copyright issues and use of the United Nations, and on legal issues arising from the handling and management of third-party data in partnerships, is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area, is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

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

Special Notice
The appointment against this position is limited to the United Nations Environment Programme. Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. External candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/ Al/2013/1 on Administration of fixed term appointments. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals’ programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. When completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. The requirement is not applicable when a person considered for appointment is serving or has previously served as affiliated personnel (for example as a consultant, individual contractor, intern or gratis personnel) with a specialized agency or an Office, Fund or Programme such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP or UNOPS which is separately administered and funded from voluntary contributions. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link

United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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Summary by Impactpool
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Legal Officer to provide legal research, advisory, and drafting support on various institutional, administrative, operational, and corporate legal matters. The role involves offering legal advice on UNEP’s corporate matters, assisting in personnel-related disputes, and providing support on issues related to sexual exploitation and abuse. The incumbent will also engage in legal analysis and contribute to compliance and accountability initiatives. This position is based in Nairobi and requires a strong background in international law.
Candidate Requirements:
Advanced university degree in international law or related field
Minimum five years of legal experience
Experience in legal analysis, research, and writing
Experience in administrative law and human resources matters
Experience in drafting and negotiating legal instruments
Legal support experience related to investigations and compliance
Fluency in English
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LEGAL OFFICER
UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi International P-3, International Professional – Internationally recruited position level Speaks English, French

Tagged as: LAW, UNEP