Legal Specialist, Dispute Resolution
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
P3 Mid-level Professional Full-time Internationallly Recruited Close on 2 Nov 2025
The Legal Group (LG)
LG advises UNOPS management, project offices, regional offices and other specialized units within UNOPS on institutional, commercial, and administrative law matters. Legal Advisors at UNOPS provide legal advice in the areas of public international law, dispute resolution, commercial law and administrative law. This legal advice spans various topics, including host-country agreements, privileges and immunities, disputes with external parties, administrative/HR law, partnership agreements, grants, procurement contracts, and the establishment of hosted initiatives, joint programs, and multi-donor trust funds. It also involves working with outside counsel, pro bono law firms, and the UN Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) as needed.
The Dispute Resolution Practice within the LG is responsible for providing in-house legal services in relation to commercial disputes involving UNOPS.
About the Role
The Legal Specialist is a member of LG’s Dispute Resolution Practice and reports to the Legal Advisor, Dispute Resolution. S/he plays a key role in contributing to the Practice’s work activities in providing timely and efficient dispute resolution advice in the context of UNOPS projects around the world to protect the organization from financial and reputational risks. The Legal Specialist may also be required to provide other legal advice under the responsibility of LG as needed, including in connection with administrative, institutional and commercial law matters.
The Legal Specialist is a good communicator, open to challenges, and versed in handling complex legal issues in a fast-paced work environment.
The Legal Specialist works closely with UNOPS country and regional offices as well as policy units and other specialized teams within UNOPS that support UNOPS activities, which requires a good understanding of the diverse environment in which UNOPS operates.
Reporting to the Legal Advisor, Dispute Resolution, the Legal Specialist exercises their accountabilities with designated authority provided by the General Counsel and in accordance with the instructions established by the General Counsel.
The Legal Specialist is expected to identify and escalate complex and high risk matters to the Legal Advisor, Dispute Resolution.
The Legal Specialist is expected to travel from time to time
Summary of key results:
Provide Dispute Resolution Advice
Provide Other Support to UNOPS Operations
Contribute to Business Efficiency
Contribute to Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
| Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) |
| Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. |
| Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. |
| Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). |
| Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. |
| Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
| Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. |
| Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. |
Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in law is required.
A first-level university degree in law (Bachelor’s or equivalent) from an accredited university in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Satisfaction of all requirements to practice law in a national jurisdiction of a UN Member State is required
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional legal experience is required.
Experience in dispute resolution and knowledge of international commercial arbitration is required.
Prior experience working as an arbitration lawyer in a law firm is a strong asset.
Experience in advising on United Nations privileges and immunities is a strong asset.
Experience in providing legal advice in support of a government agency or international organization is a strong asset.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Working knowledge of other languages, in particular French or Spanish, is a strong asset.
