Legal Officer

The officer leads complex appeals and internal-justice matters for the UN Secretariat, researching and advising on international and administrative law, drafting submissions and policy instruments, representing the Organization before tribunals, negotiating disputes and guiding junior legal officers.

Department: Appeals Section, Administrative Law Division

• Lead complex appeals and internal-justice matters involving international and administrative law
• Provide legal advice on substantive and procedural questions across Secretariat operations
• Conduct extensive research and draft opinions, briefs, submissions and policy instruments
• Prepare motions and represent the Organization before tribunals and administrative proceedings
• Advise on staff regulations, human-resources policies and administrative decisions
• Negotiate claims and disputes and develop legal strategies and settlement terms
• Coordinate teams and mentor or supervise junior legal officers
• Represent the United Nations in committees, working groups and professional meetings

• Advanced university degree in law, or first university degree in law with two additional years of relevant experience
• At least seven years of progressively responsible professional legal experience
• At least two years of international litigation experience including presenting witness evidence before a court, tribunal or comparable body
• Experience in administrative law or employment and labour law
• English at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking

• Temporary positions are available until 31 December 2026 with possible extension subject to approval and funding
• Eligibility may be limited to candidates based at the duty station