Legal Officer (UN Support Office in Haiti)

About the role

The Legal Officer is the head of the Legal Affairs Unit within the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), based in Port-au-Prince and reporting to the Head of UNSOH. UNSOH supports the Gang Suppression Force, BINUH, the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces in joint operations, and delivers technical assistance to the OAS. The position is open only to roster applicants who have been placed on pre-approved rosters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on the mandate and activities of UNSOH, including public and international law, administrative law and privileges and immunities, and seek guidance from the UN Office of Legal Affairs where needed
• Advise on administrative, personnel and contractual matters, including accountability, procurement, third-party claims and UN regulations
• Draft, review and negotiate agreements, contracts and legal documents, and advise on and take part in claim settlements and dispute negotiations
• Liaise with governments, UN agencies, funds and programmes and other stakeholders, and take part in standing boards, committees and working groups
• Coordinate and supervise the Legal Affairs Unit, direct its work and guide junior legal officers
• Carry out complex legal research and analysis, prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs and reports, and represent the Unit at meetings and conferences

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in law, or a first-level degree in law plus two years of qualifying experience
• At least seven years of progressively responsible legal experience, including analysis, research and writing
• Experience in an international organization or government dealing with international law
• Experience as a legal officer in a UN field legal office in a conflict or post-conflict setting
• Experience with contractual, procurement and administrative matters in UN field operations, including logistical support and troop-reimbursement agreements
• English and French at UN Level III reading, writing and listening, and UN Level II/III speaking