Associate Legal Officer, P-2

United Nations

Kingston, Jamaica

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director/Legal Counsel and direct supervision of the Legal Officer, and within delegated authority, the Associate Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Undertake studies and research in the fields of public and private international law, law of the sea and administrative law;
Examine, statutes, rules, agreements or other legal instruments and precedents relating to the activities of ISA.
Provide services to the ISA and its governing bodies and prepare background materials, reports and papers.
Draft agreements, contracts, internal rules and regulations, opinions, reports and correspondence on issues relating to the activities of the ISA; Provide advice and assistance on judicial and administrative questions relating to the work of ISA, including the internal system of administration of justice for ISA and UN, publications, workshops and training programmes.
Participate in international conferences and meetings.
Assist in responding to inquiries and correspondence; Draft, review and advise on legal documents and correspondence.
Contribute to the identification of issues and drafting of recommendations and legal submissions, ensuring that they are consistent with interpretation and application of administrative law. 8. Conduct legal research and provide detailed analysis of cases and jurisprudence.
Assist with maintenance of records (electronic and online).
Perform other duties as requested by the Legal Counsel or Secretary-General.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law with emphasis in the area of public international law is required. A first-level university degree within combination two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admitted to the bar of a member State of the Authority, or otherwise qualified to practice law is preferable. No experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible legal experience is required. Experience in litigating administrative law matters is desirable. Experience in conducting investigations or disciplinary matters in an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

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