Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
1. Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
2. Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
3. Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
4. Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP works in ~170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated on three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
UNDP personnel are united for a common purpose: to help countries and communities across the world pursue peaceful, prosperous lives, lived in harmony with the planet. The Office of Legal Services in the Bureau for Management Services (BMS/OLS) provides strategic legal services of the highest standard to UNDP, UNCDF and UN Volunteers, giving pragmatic and timely legal advice that enables the right people to make good decisions.
BMS/OLS is seeking outstanding, proactive lawyers with a strong public service background, and the capacity and commitment needed to deliver transformative impact. We are seeking colleagues who challenge, inspire, and deliver sustained results.
Position Purpose
The Administrative Law Practice (AL) within BMS/OLS is responsible for:
5. Advising senior management in Headquarters, Regional Centers, Country Offices on legal issues arising in the handling of claims, allegations of misconduct or the resolution of matters involving UNDP staff members and UN Volunteers;
6. Representing UNDP in cases involving allegations of misconduct and appeals against administrative decisions;
7. Representing UNDP in cases and settlements within the internal justice system, including the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT);
8. Assisting in the formulation and review of policies and procedures;
9. Addressing all legal questions arising in the administration and management of UNDP staff members and UN Volunteers, including privileges and immunities issues and strategies to respond to claims.
Under the overall supervision of the General Counsel and Director of BMS/OLS and reporting to the Legal Specialist in Bonn and the Senior Legal Adviser and Head of AL, the Legal Analyst provides support to UNDP senior management, Headquarters, Regional Bureaux and Country Offices, as appropriate, in the Administrative Law practice area.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities
1) Contributes to knowledge management with BMS/OLS counterparts by:
10. Ensuring the timely provision of responses to inquiries from counterparts in HQ, Bureaux and Country Offices;
11. Providing assistance in the provision of legal advice on UN Staff Regulations and Rules and management of staff;
12. Conducting research on legal issues and liaising with other offices as appropriate on best practices;
13. Drafting initial legal opinions on administrative law matters;
14. Assisting in liaising with UN OLA, HQ and Country Offices on matters pertaining to privileges and immunities.
2) Supports the legal representation of UNDP in formal cases by:
15. Assisting in the preparation of responses to appeals against administrative decisions;
16. Assisting in the preparation of cases concerning allegations of misconduct;
17. Conducting the initial review of reports for priority and documentation;
18. Acting in submissions, such as Replies, Briefs and Motions on behalf of UNDP to UN Tribunals, including representation of UNDP in Tribunal proceedings;
19. Contributing to the conduct of settlement negotiations and/or mediation proceedings where required;
20. Conducting researches on jurisprudence and identifies appropriate precedents;
21. Facilitating the provision of information and consideration of appeals before the UN Appeals Tribunal; and,
22. Supporting the minimization of liability and the timely resolution of disputes.
3) Contributes in the review and implementation of policies and procedures on behalf of BMS/OLS by:
23. Liaising with other legal offices as appropriate on best practices;
24. Conducting research on jurisprudence and identifies appropriate precedent;
25. Providing guidance in the identification of issues of liability and the preparation of responses on behalf of BMS/OLS;
26. Supporting the minimization of liability and the timely resolution of issues.
Acts in the handling of other administrative law matters and the functioning of the office:
27. Prepares cases for referral to national authorities;
28. Organizes and prepares for meetings with counterparts and other parties;
29. Contributes to the preparation of learning events, including online materials and legal training;
30. Supports the compilation of statistics and the reporting requirements of the office;
31. Identifies documentation for the preparation of Bundles for submission;
32. Oversees administration of internships;
33. Facilitates knowledge management and knowledge retention through the case management system and other means; and,
34. Performs other functions as required by the needs of the office and as requested by the BMS/OLS Director or the Senior Legal Advisor.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
35. Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
36. Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
37. Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
38. Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
39. Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
40. Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Legal Legal writing skills
41. The ability to analyse fact patterns and present written arguments. This includes the ability to draft memoranda, legal briefs and other submissions to external parties, in both an advocacy and objective format, and legal opinions. It also includes the ability to convey legal analysis and recommendations to internal parties who may not have a legal background.
Legal Knowledge of applicable legal framework
42. Understanding of the legal norms as applied to the United Nations in general, and to UNDP in particular. This includes an understanding of the structure, functioning and operations of UNDP within the broader UN system and the application of international treaties, including the UN Charter, GA resolutions, the relevant basic country assistance agreement and UN system-wide legal instruments, as well as an understanding of the internal legal framework (financial regulations and rules, policies, and procedures) of UNDP.
Legal Legal advocacy and presentation skills
43. The ability to articulate and present legal analysis orally, both in a persuasive and objective format and for a variety of different audiences (. the governments, administrative tribunals, arbitrators, management, donors, and other partners). This skill requires an ability to identify lines of argument, anticipate counter-arguments, nteract in a dynamic and engaging way about legal issues, as well as the ability to think on one's feet and strategically, in a solution-oriented manner, when confronted with new facts or issues within the context of a discussion or presentation.
Legal Negotiation
44. The ability to lead efforts to work with others to conclude or settle a matter. These are often soft skills and include abilities such as communication, persuasion, planning, strategizing and cooperating. In the UNDP context, this skill includes working closely with the client to understand the parameters of an acceptable solution, and assisting business units in resolving commercial disputes, and working with staff members or their legal representatives to resolve a grievance, claim or issue. Negotiation often involves working with colleagues of differing views to arrive at an acceptable corporate solution.
Legal Legal analysis skills
45. The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization's best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework.
Business Direction & Strategy Systems Thinking
46. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management Portfolio Management
47. Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
48. An advanced university degree (Master’s level/LLM) in Law or equivalent from a recognized university is required; or
49. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree/LLB) in Law from a recognized university, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
50. Specialization in International Law and/or Administrative Law is desired .
51. Passing of the bar examination of a Member State or its equivalent qualification to practice law in a Member State is desired.
Experience:
52. Minimum of 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of legal experience relevant to the duties as described with a law firm, a non-profit or for-profit organization, a government, an international organization’s legal office, and/or a court, administrative board or tribunal.
53. Experience with the United Nations system legal framework is desired.
54. Experience working with personnel/Administrative Law issues of United Nations organizations is desired.
55. Experience handling cases involving allegations of misconduct and appeals against administrative decisions is desired.
56. Experience monitoring and following up on many activities concurrently under time constraints, and the ability to understand and manage priorities is desired.
57. Experience conducting detailed research and compilation of information is desired.
Language Requirements:
58. Fluency in English is required;
59. Working knowledge of another United Nations language is desired.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Probation
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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