Legal Consultant
WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and equal employment opportunity for all our employees.
Job Title: Consultant
Type of Contract: Legal Consultant (LEV II)
Division: LEG
Duty Station (City, Country): Rome
Duration: 6 months
BACKGROUND, CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
This position is located in the Legal Office (LEG) of the World Food Programme’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Legal Office (LEG) is responsible for providing support to WFP and its organizational units in order to ensure that the implementation of WFP’s activities is in compliance with the relevant legal framework and that any legal risks that arise are considered and managed.
The Legal Consultant will be assigned to the Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA), which provides legal services on all aspects of the employment relationship between WFP and its personnel. LEGA is responsible for:
- providing legal support and advice on the development, interpretation, and application of WFP’s employment framework;
- providing legal support and advice on appropriate contractual modalities and conditions of service for deployment of personnel and technical expertise from private and public sectors:
- advising on matters concerning conduct and discipline including at the investigation and disciplinary stages;
- handling contentious matters arising in connection with WFP’s various contracts of employment, including the negotiation and settlement of claims, and the representation of WFP in legal actions brought before adjudicatory or other bodies;
- advising on the privileges and immunities of WFP personnel.
The LEGA team is mainly based in Rome, Italy but a remote working arrangement may also be considered. The duration of the consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of 6 months.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive):
Under the supervision of more senior lawyers in LEGA, the Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following duties, with a focus on matters relating to the legal status, rights and obligations of WFP and its employees:
- Undertake extensive legal research and analysis on a wide range of complex legal issues of a substantive and procedural nature.
- Review a variety of legal documents (including agreements, memoranda of understanding and contracts) in order to identify relevant legal issues and risks and to ensure compliance with the applicable legal framework and jurisprudence.
- Deliver legal advice on the interpretation and application of various legal instruments (WFP’s internal Regulations, Rules, Policies and Procedures as well as applicable conventions, resolutions and agreements), in order to meet unique client needs.
- Draft legal documents (including opinions, reports, memoranda, submissions, agreements and contracts) to contribute to coherence and quality of legal services.
- Assist in representing WFP in administrative or tribunal proceedings and arbitration.
- Participate in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes involving WFP and its personnel.
- Provide support to service various internal advisory bodies.
- Other related duties as required.
EDUCATION:
Advanced University degree or First University degree in law with relevant experience training.
Qualified to practice or admitted to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society, or equivalent professional legal practice experience.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:
At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience practicing law within a law firm, an international organization, a governmental service or a company.
Prior litigation experience and experience in an international context are assets.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
- Advanced legal research and analysis skills.
- Articulate and concise thinking and drafting.
- Strong planning, organization and time-management skills.
- Solid communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
- Business acumen and problem-solving approach.
- Adaptability and ability to work autonomously and harmoniously with a multicultural team.
- Tact and high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
LANGUAGES:
Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) is an asset.
Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.
http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.
Deadline for applications: 30 September 2022
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
