LEGAL OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe temporary position is located in the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH). The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2793 (2025) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS which is to provide support, primarily to the GSF, BINUH, the HNP and the Haitian armed forces on any joint operations with the GSF, as well as technical support to the OAS, with a view to assume full logistical support responsibility of the GSF within six months of adoption. The incumbent provides timely and effective legal expertise and advice on a wide range of legal issues affecting the Mission’s mandate and activities, including public international, private and administrative law matters, as well as issues of constitutional and other national law. S/he suggests effective approaches to legal issues, and innovative solutions to legal problems/issues that arise in the Mission. S/he also contributes to the development of policy, directives, guidelines and best practices in the Mission. The Legal Officer also provides supervision, guidance and mentoring to more junior legal officers. The position is based in Port-au-Prince in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG). The Legal Officer, P-4 will report directly to the ASG and will be supporting the Director of Mission Support (DMS) and his component. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the ASG and/or DMS, Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Provides legal advice on a wide range of legal issues affecting the United Nations Mission’s mandate and activities, including public international, private and administrative law matters, as well as issues of constitutional and other national law as they affect the Mission or the mandate. In particular, provides legal advice and expertise on the interpretation of the Mission’s mandate, the legal status of the Mission and its members, including in areas such as privileges and immunities and Status of Forces/Status of Mission Agreements; advises on aspects of the Mission’s operational activities, including the Mission’s rules of engagement and directives on the use of force and related guidelines, matters relating to international law, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law and the protection of civilians, as appropriate; Advises on administrative, personnel and contractual matters, including issues relating to the accountability of personnel, procurement matters, third party claims, as well as legal questions involving the interpretation or application of UN regulations and rules; Advises on, drafts and reviews agreements, institutional and operational modalities, major contracts, legal submissions and other legal documents and provides advice on and participates in negotiations for the settlement of claims and disputes. Liaises and participates in meetings and discussions with governments and other institutions and entities; and with other UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as other internal and external actors and organizations, as required. Participates in administrative Boards and Committees, including in relation to the procurement process, claims and property management, and on ad hoc working groups and task forces, as assigned by the supervisor. Supervises and provides guidance to more junior legal officers; Performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence; represents the Service/Section at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Thorough knowledge of the Charter of the United Nations, its objectives, provisions and privileges, and familiarity with UN Regulations and Rules, policies and practices. Able to interpret, apply and adapt guidelines and to contribute to the development of policy guidelines, consistent with the established legal framework of the Organization. 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 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. 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; and -Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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; and -Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary -Uses time efficiently. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law. 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 QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, including legal analysis, research and writing, is required. Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes), is desirable in a conflict or post-conflict setting. Experience in drafting legal correspondence and briefing on legal matters in both English and French is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are 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).