The position:

The Legal Specialist post is located in the Legal Unit, Office of the Executive Director (OED). The Legal Specialist reports to the Chief of the Legal Unit.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Legal Unit, the Legal Specialist provides legal support to UNFPA management, headquarters units, regional and sub-regional offices, and country offices

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in law. Specialization in international law, labor law and/or administrative law an asset; 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Admitted to practice law in national jurisdiction.

• 5 years experience in the practice of international law with a law firm, a government and/or an international organization; 

• Practical advocacy experience an asset.

• Excellent legal communications and drafting skills;

• Excellent capability to manage risk.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English required; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.