Legal Officer (Administrative Law) (Paris, France) contract

Post Number : LA 020

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Law

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 13-MAR-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Under the authority of the Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs (LA) and the direct supervision of the Chief, International Administrative Law Section, the incumbent will be required to carry out the assignments and activities related to international administrative law described below :

• Draft submissions before the Appeals Board and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILOAT) for supervisors’ review and approval.
• Represent the Organization in oral proceedings before the Appeals Board.
• Draft legal instruments or provide legal advice on draft legal instruments submitted to LA for review or clearance, related to human resources or other areas falling under the activities of the International Administrative Law Section.
• Review matters involving the privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel, and draft Notes Verbales or other correspondence as required.
• Draft reports to the governing bodies on Administrative Law activities, including on the outcome of ILOAT judgments or any other requirement that may be set by the governing bodies.
• Additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.
• Undertake any other duties as may be requested by DIR/LA or by the direct supervisor in order to ensure the proper functioning of LA.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law.

Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively relevant experience in the practice of law within an intergovernmental organization (or in such organization combined with equivalent legal experience in a government, law firm, non-profit organization or academia), of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in international administrative law or the law of the international civil service.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent analytical skills, particularly on the application of legal texts.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to communicate persuasively and participate effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and maintain affective working relationships.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of either English or French (written and spoken) and very good knowledge of the other language.

Education

• Specialized training or diploma in international law or administrative law.

Work Experience

• Experience in litigation before international administrative tribunals or review bodies.
• Experience in the legal department of an intergovernmental organization.
• Demonstrated experience with the privileges and immunities of intergovernmental organizations.  
• Relevant experience in the United Nations system.
• Confirmed experience in legal drafting in English and French.

Skills / Competencies

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of the UN system.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).