Organization: United Nations
Department: Office of Administration of Justice (OAJ) – Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA)
Duty Stations: Entebbe and Amman
Reports To: Chief, Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA)

Job Purpose

Provide independent legal assistance and representation to United Nations staff members and other persons covered under the UN internal justice system. The Legal Officer advises on administrative and disciplinary matters, conducts legal research, prepares legal submissions, and represents clients before UN judicial bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal assistance to individuals covered under the UN administration of justice system.
• Advise clients on appeals against administrative decisions and disciplinary actions.
• Represent and litigate cases before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and United Nations Appeals Tribunal.
• Prepare written submissions, legal briefs, motions, pleadings, and oral arguments.
• Conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues, cases, and jurisprudence.
• Identify matters suitable for mediation, settlement, or informal resolution and assist clients through those processes.
• Draft and review legal documents, correspondence, and advisory opinions.
• Assist in maintaining legal databases, case registers, and precedent repositories.
• Support preparation of reports for the General Assembly and other mandated bodies.
• Assist with administrative and budgetary requirements of the office.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Law.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in International Law combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal research, legal analysis, and legal drafting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of litigation experience at national or international level.
• Demonstrated experience appearing before courts or tribunals and examining or cross-examining witnesses.
• Experience within the UN Common System or a comparable international organization is an added advantage.

Key Competencies

Professional Competencies

• Strong knowledge of UN rules, regulations, policies, and jurisprudence.
• Excellent legal research, analysis, and drafting skills.
• Ability to prepare legal opinions, submissions, motions, and briefs.
• Strong advocacy and litigation skills.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and meet strict deadlines.

Planning & Organizing

• Ability to prioritize assignments and manage competing demands.
• Strong project and workload management skills.
• Effective resource and time management.

Client Orientation

• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients.
• Strong commitment to responsive and professional legal service delivery.
• Ability to identify client needs and provide practical legal solutions.

Desirable Attributes

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments.
• Resilience and composure under pressure.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.

Why Consider This Role?

• Opportunity to work within the UN internal justice system.
• International legal practice involving administrative, employment, and disciplinary law.
• Exposure to high-level litigation before international tribunals.
• Competitive UN professional career path with global mobility opportunities.