UNOPS
Application period 16-Apr-2024 to 20-May-2024
The Legal Group
The Legal Group (LG) advises UNOPS management, project offices, regional offices and other specialized units within UNOPS on institutional, commercial, and administrative law matters. Legal Advisors at UNOPS provide legal advice in the areas of public international law, dispute resolution, commercial law and administrative law. This legal advice covers a wide range of topics, including host-country agreements and privileges and immunities, disputes with external parties, administrative/HR law matters, engagements, partnership agreements, grants, procurement contracts and set-up of hosted initiatives, joint programmes and multi-donor trust funds, and collaboration with outside counsel, pro bono law firms and the UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), where required.
About the Role
The Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial has the primary responsibility of supervising the commercial law team in providing guidance and authoritative interpretations as required on project agreements, legal policies and procedures.
Reporting into the General Counsel (GC), the Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial exercises their accountabilities with designated authority provided by the GC and in accordance with the instructions established by the GC.
The Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial demonstrates a good understanding of the operational context in which UNOPS operates and leads the provision of review and advice on commercial law matters, assuming direct responsibility for especially complex and sensitive matters, as necessary.
The Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial supervises and oversees legal aspects of UNOPS’ commercial operations (including activities concerning engagements, procurement contracts, grant agreements, partnership agreements, and setting-up of hosted initiatives, joint programmes and multi-donor trust funds).
The Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial works with a high degree of independence, and is expected to travel from time to time.
Functional Responsibilities:
Summary of key results expected:
- Legal Advice
- Strategic Advisory Services
- Team Leadership
- Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
Impact of Results
Achievement of results by the Senior Legal Advisor, Commercial supports UNOPS entities in delivering the organization’s long-term strategic plan and reinforcing UNOPS reputation as an effective partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the countries served.
Education/Experience/Language requirements:
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law is required.
- A first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) from an accredited university in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
- Qualification to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State, or admission to practice law by a recognised national or state bar or law society of a UN Member State is required.
Experience
- A minimum of ten (10) years of professional legal experience is required.
- Within the ten (10) years of professional experience, at least five (5) years of commercial law experience is required, preferably as legal counsel in a law firm, company, governmental service or international organization; and at least five (5) years supervising and leading a team is required.
- Strong understanding and knowledge of the United Nations system, including the privileges and immunities of international organizations, is an asset.
- Experience in providing legal advice in support of a government agency or international organization is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience in communicating complex legal concepts across a range of audiences and managing complex stakeholder interactions and negotiations is required.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable.
Think big. Meet challenges head-on. Help people build better lives.
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.