Legal Officer (Administrative Law), P-3, Jerusalem

Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff
working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to
make a change.
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the
most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
The Legal Officer (Administ5rative Law) reports to the Senior Legal Officer or Principal
Legal Officer as applicable in the general law unit.
Responsibilities
Advises on the interpretation and application of the Agency’s regulatory framework, in
particular with regards to Staff Regulations and Rules, policies and administrative issuances
in the context of potentially contentious matters.
Provides timely legal advice to the organization and its management in an effort to utilize the
informal internal justice system to its maximum benefit and reduce the number of cases
submitted through the formal system in all aspects of international administrative law
(including disciplinary matters).
Where necessary, assists with alternative dispute resolution efforts, in coordination with the
office of the Ombudsman and the Legal Office of Staff Legal Assistance as appropriate.
Drafts and provides legal advice on responses to Decision Review Requests (i.e. requests for
review of administrative decisions taken) within the internal justice system.
Undertakes research into case law with a view to producing a compendium of precedents and
statistics, in an effort to reduce the case backlog of administrative and disciplinary cases.
Upon request, provides advice to managers on the proportionality and consistency of
disciplinary measures across the Agency.
Upon request, provides legal advice as part of proceedings before the formal internal system
of justice.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core
Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by
default.
Planning and Organizing
Analyzing
Relating and Networking
Adapting and Responding to Change
Persuading and Influencing
Ability to negotiate effectively.
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.
org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in law or related discipline.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience as a lawyer in the
United Nations, other international organization, in government service, the
commercial/private sector and/or NGO with demonstrated work on administrative law matters
is required
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least
two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the
country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national
identity number, is required.
Familiarity with the UN system and practices is desirable.
Experience on public international law matters, alternative dispute resolution and/or litigation
in internal UN tribunals is desirable.
Some specialization in international administrative law or employment law is desirable.
Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is desirable.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language, particularly Arabic, an asset.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be
followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.
The incumbent will be required to travel, as needed, in the Agency’s area of operations in the
Middle East.
Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be
considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the
requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become
eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post.
Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying
experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not
considered an acceptable combination.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states,
regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA
is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the
difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/