Legal OfficerNew

Provide independent, specialist legal advice and representation for WFP headquarters on complex and sensitive matters. The officer will lead work in designated legal areas, negotiate claims and disputes, develop internal policies, conduct legal research, advise boards and committees, manage liability risks, collaborate across the UN system, and coach other legal staff.

• Independently handle complex legal matters and interpret legal instruments in designated areas
• Negotiate and settle claims and disputes and represent WFP in tribunal, administrative and arbitration proceedings
• Develop policies, directives, guidelines and procedures that provide an appropriate regulatory framework
• Prepare legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and complex correspondence
• Advise boards, committees and working groups and represent WFP at meetings and conferences
• Supervise, coach and build the capacity of other legal staff

• Advanced law degree, or a first law degree with additional relevant experience and training in private, administrative or employment law
• Qualification or admission to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society
• At least eight years of progressively responsible legal-services experience, including three international years
• Fluency in English and intermediate knowledge of a second official UN language or Portuguese

• Prior litigation experience in administrative or employment law
• Knowledge of arbitration, tribunal processes and the UN system regulatory framework

• Legal research
• Legal drafting
• Litigation
• Negotiation
• Legal advisory
• International administrative law

• Relocation to Rome is required
• Deadline: 5 October 2026, 23:59 GMT+01:00