Overview

Legal Officer Jobs in Nairobi County, Kenya at UN Environment Programme

Title: Legal Officer

Company: UN Environment Programme

Location: Nairobi County, Kenya

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Corporate Services Division (CSD) is the guardian of UNEP's corporate interest, mitigating its exposure to risk and supporting the organization with management tools, plans and related capacity building. It oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management, in line with UNEP's accountability requirements, rules, regulations and UN core values. This position is located in the Corporate Services Division, Legal Unit in the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Key Responsibilities

1. Providing Legal Advice on UNEP Corporate and Institutional Matters

  • Provides legal advice to UNEP entities, including secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), on legal instruments and the application of the UN legal and regulatory framework.
  • Drafts and negotiates legal instruments, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), agreements, and contracts with Member States, NGOs, UN entities, private sector organizations, and academic institutions, in accordance with:
  • the Charter of the United Nations;
  • UN Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules;
  • the UNEP Partnership Policy; and
  • the UNEP Private Sector Engagement Policy.
  • Advises on legal issues arising from the vetting of UNEP partners and prepares relevant legal instruments.
  • Provides legal advice and support to the UNEP Partnership Committee, including interpretation and implementation of the UNEP Partnership Policy and Procedures.
  • Advises on legal issues related to UNEP procurement and reviews and drafts procurement contracts signed on behalf of UNEP.
  • Advises on intellectual property matters, including copyright issues and the use of the UN name and emblem.
  • Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, advice, and correspondence.
  • Provides guidance and support to junior staff members.

2. Representing the Organization in the UN Internal Justice System

  • Represents the Organization in personnel matters before:
  • the UN Management Advice and Evaluation Section (MAES); and
  • the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT).
  • Reviews organizational responses to personnel matters and drafts respondent replies, motions, and submissions.
  • Assesses and presents relevant evidence in support of the Organization’s position.
  • Negotiates and drafts settlement agreements to resolve personnel disputes.
  • Provides legal advice on human resources and internal administrative law matters.

3. Advising on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Sexual Harassment, and OIOS Investigative Matters

  • Provides legal advice on matters relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and investigations conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).
  • Liaises with UN system-wide entities, including:
  • the Office of the Special Coordinator on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA); and
  • the Victims’ Rights Advocate.
  • Promotes organizational awareness of PSEA through communications, training sessions, and awareness-raising initiatives.
  • Drafts the Annual Report on Fraud and Corruption.
  • Monitors and reports on the implementation of the UNEP PSEA Action Plan and related initiatives.
  • Conducts preliminary assessments of cases referred by OIOS and prepares legal advice for the UNEP Executive Director on appropriate action.
  • Advises on legal issues relating to:
  • OIOS investigations;
  • external and internal audits;
  • UN evaluations; and
  • inspections.
  • Drafts responses to reports issued by UN oversight bodies and coordinates UNEP compliance with recommendations.
  • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns and develops insights through graphs, charts, tables, reports, and data visualization tools to support evidence-based planning and decision-making.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law or a related field is required.
  • A first-level university degree combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  • Successful completion of degree or non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience

Required

  • A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional legal experience.

Desirable

  • Experience providing legal advice on matters relating to the legal framework of the United Nations or similar international organizations, including engagement with the private sector.
  • Experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of legal instruments, including memoranda of understanding, agreements, and contracts with Member States, NGOs, UN entities, private sector organizations, and academic institutions.
  • Experience working on legal and policy aspects of human resource management.
  • Experience providing legal advice and support on matters relating to investigations conducted by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).
  • Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or a related field.

deadline 23 july

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