Young Professional Officer (Legal)

Organizational Setting

The Legal Office (LEG) provides authoritative legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues to the Director-General, units in Headquarters and in the field, the Governing and Statutory Bodies and Members of the Organization. The position is located in the General Legal Affairs Service (LEGA). LEGA provides legal advice to all units of the Organization, and its Governing and Statutory Bodies, on constitutional questions, the interpretation of its Basic Texts, international treaties, internal legal rules and policies, as well as on legal aspects of relations with the Host and other Governments, other international organizations, private sector and other entities, and specific legal aspects of personnel matters. It represents FAO in judicial proceedings and in settlements of disputes.

The position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Young Professional Officer (Legal) reports to the designated (Senior) Legal Officer under the overall guidance of the Legal Counsel.

Technical Focus
Public international law, law of international organizations/constitutional law, international administrative law and contract law.

Key Results
Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Analyses, from a legal perspective, relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.
• Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.
• Provides technical support to various projects.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
• Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Assists in the Preparation of legal advice on matters related to FAO's operations and status, including on questions related to privileges and immunities of the Organization and that of its personnel, as well as on the conclusion of host country agreements and operational arrangements.
• Assists in the preparation of legal advice on a variety of issues arising from complex contractual arrangements, including for the receipt of voluntary contributions, as well as modalities for collaboration with a variety of partners including the private sector, and the development of innovative modalities to promote FAO's operations and meet unique needs/circumstances supporting delivery of FAO's mandate as appropriate.
• Assists in providing advice on the legal aspects of human resources related matters, including on appeals filed within the internal justice system and the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization, disciplinary processes, policy review and clearance, and other requests as required.
• Assists in the preparation of legal advice on matters linked to FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies, prepares relevant documentation and consults with counterparts in other United Nations Specialized Agencies and other relevant entities as appropriate.
• Provides legal support in the delivery of legal activities, services and products pertaining to the Organization’s mandate in support of the FAO Strategic Objectives, Regional Initiatives, and related Delivery Mechanisms, including alignment with the Organization’s Policy on Gender Equality.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law.
• One year of relevant experience in public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contract law.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage.
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing legal advice on issues of public international law, law of international organizations, international administrative law and contracts, preferably in an international setting.
• Extent of knowledge of the United Nations system, and the work of a legal office of an intergovernmental organization.
• Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is an advantage.
• Ability to carry out legal research and analysis.
• Extent and relevance of experience in drafting, reviewing and advising on legal texts and issues.

NB. Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO.