Organizational Setting

The Legal Office of FAO (LEG) ensures that the activities of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of FAO and the other Basic Texts of the Organization, in a manner consistent with its status as an inter-governmental organization of the United Nations system, and that its relationships with governments, organizations and individuals are on a sound legal basis.
The General Legal Affairs Service of the Legal Office (LEGA) provides advice to, and acts on behalf of, the Organization on legal matters. Specifically, it advises the Organization's technical and administrative departments, regional, sub-regional and field offices, and its Governing Bodies, on legal matters, including constitutional questions, the drafting of international treaties, the legal aspects of relations with the host government, with other governments and with international organizations, as well as specific legal aspects of procurement and personnel matters, including the interpretation and application of the Organization’s internal rules and international administrative law. It represents FAO in judicial proceedings and in settlements of disputes and, in particular, in handling UNCITRAL arbitrations and appeals cases before the competent administrative tribunals. It services the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters (CCLM).
This call for expressions of interest is for the purpose of identifying suitably qualified experts to be included on the roster for consideration for short-term assignments with LEGA, ranging in length from a few days or weeks to a maximum of 11 months (on a when-actually-employed basis). This call is aimed at experts in legal issues related to contracts and procurement-related matters, with various levels of experience. The experts would be located at the Organization’s headquarters in Rome (Italy) or home based.
Applicants already included on the Legal Office roster should not reapply.

Reporting Lines

The Legal Specialist reports to the Legal Counsel, while day-to-day supervision is provided by the Deputy Legal Counsel, or a (Senior) Legal Officer (LEGA), as appropriate.

Technical Focus

Public international law, law of international organizations, and commercial law with a focus on contracts and procurement, including supporting the delivery of technical assistance and other operations of the Organization and litigation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Legal Specialist will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. The assignments will normally include the delivery of advice to units within Headquarters and to the FAO Decentralized Offices on legal matters related to their operations in light of FAO’s regulations, rules, policies and procedures, as well as FAO’s status as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations System. 
Normally, the assignments will cover the provision of legal advice related to one or more of the following:

•     contracts, matters related to procurement of services from commercial and non-commercial service providers (including settlements or litigation concerning contractual matters), intellectual property, etc.; 
•     instruments aimed at operationalizing, and managing engagements and partnerships with the private sector;
•     tools, instruments, and services that support digital innovation, information technologies and electronic processes.
•     host country agreements for FAO decentralized offices addressing the privileges and immunities of the Organization, including supporting negotiation of such agreements and upholding the provisions thereof;
•     litigation, particularly UNCITRAL arbitrations, to which the Organization may be a party;
•     the Governing Bodies and the Statutory Bodies of FAO and the interpretation or application of the legal and procedural instruments governing the operation of such Bodies.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in law. A first level university degree in law combined with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience and with completion of professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 
•     Between one to ten years of relevant legal experience (minimum one year for Category C; minimum five years for Category B; minimum ten years for Category A) in commercial law, public international law, law of international organizations.
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience in contract/procurement law, public international law, and law of international organizations.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in delivery of legal advice with a specific focus on procurement and contract-related matters, including drafting and revision of templates, general terms and conditions, and documents detailing internal processes and guidance.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in drafting and interpreting contracts, Letters of Agreement, and similar instruments for the acquisition of goods, services, and works, including banking/financial arrangements, software and other less common types of contractual arrangements.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in negotiations, and the conduct of mediation or arbitration proceedings
•     Extent and relevance of work experience in supporting field operations of UN System or other intergovernmental or governmental organizations.
•     Extent of knowledge of different legal systems.
•     Ability to carry out legal research and analysis.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in drafting legal advice and providing support in formal meetings, negotiations, mediation and dispute settlement settings.

Selection Criteria

•     Experience of advising on contract law and procurement issues in a governmental or intergovernmental setting will be a distinct advantage.