UNOPS
The inputs provided by the Legal Specialist during the course of their work are exclusively to UNOPS and should not be construed as providing a legal opinion, legal recommendation or legal advice to ADB. As required, travel to Afghanistan is expected.
Under the supervision and guidance of the LG regional Team Lead and the Senior project manager, responsibilities of the incumbent include:
Support to implementation
- In coordination with the project team contribute to the design of the project implementation plan and advise on risks, issues and mitigation measures;
- In consultation with the project team, conduct contractual reviews and advise the project team on the interpretation of terms and conditions of contracts and agreements with suppliers, contractors, consultants, employers and other partners with focus on the verification of entitlements for works done;
- Provide advice to the project team for the discussions with suppliers, contractors, consultants during the verification process.
- Assist in drafting payment and acknowledgment certificates, confirmation and advance account letters of the verified works and services, and facilitate the signing of the certificates, letters and other documents relating to verification as needed, including itemization of any applicable taxes and/or duties. Collaborate with colleagues to develop workable solutions to implementation challenges in line with UNOPS’ rules and regulations;
- Contribute to internal and external project reporting and communication plan;
- Interact with local law firm(s); on matters relating to local legislation, including applicable taxes and/or duties
- Provide quality input and advice on potential project amendments;
- Research specific legal issues on major databases.
- Assist the project in relevant internal and external meetings.
Business Efficiency
- Support the implementation of UNOPS standards;
- Provide legal advice to UNOPS AFCO project’s financial management staff on project audits and follow up actions, if required.
- Ensure that the needs and priorities of the project, as well as any continuing implementation challenges are communicated to the appropriate policy units for action and follow up;
Knowledge Management
- Advise and support the project team in the development of the project monitoring digital platform, and the management and recording of legal documentation
- Actively contribute to global knowledge sharing across the organisation in line with UNOPS Knowledge Management Strategy in order to share examples of best practice and lessons learned. Due to confidentiality reasons, no sensitive information about the VCEP project will be shared across UNOPS, UN or other organizations.
- Maintain records of decisions made and actions taken.
“Other responsibilities within the level and scope of this ToR, in connection with the VCEP, may be agreed in consultation with the supervisor’
Education/Experience/Language requirements:
- Education
- Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in international law, or a closely related area is required, from an accredited university or educational institution in law.
- First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in law in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree;
- Work Experience
- At least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in legal affairs with focus on infrastructure and construction contracts with suppliers,contractors and consultants is required; And within relevant experience, minimum five years of post-graduate experience analysing legal issues preferably within an international organization or legal office is required;
- Experience with FIDIC and ENAA forms of contracts is considered an asset.
- Successful experience in handling claims and contractual disputes is required.
- Experience in drafting legal documents is required.
- Proficiency in legal drafting and ability to draft accurately, clearly and concisely under time pressure is required.
- Relevant work experience in Afghanistan and international levels is an asset.
- Experience in the application of regulations and rules, policies, procedure and decision-making processes of an international organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in communicating complex legal concepts across a range of audiences is an asset
- Demonstrated field experience in a development context is an advantage.
- Experience in infrastructure and procurement contracts and the negotiation of commercial contracts is required;
- Previous work experience with the UNOPS or any of the United Nations agencies is preferred;
- Knowledge of UN/UNOPS rules and regulations is an advantage.
- Languages
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
- Knowledge of Dari and Pashto is an asset.
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UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce is made up of people from varied nationalities, cultures and races. They speak a range of languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. Click apply and join us!
Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
To apply for this job please visit jobs.unops.org.