DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

31 October 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

- WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
- WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
- A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
- We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND 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 Junior 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. Working under the supervision of more senior colleagues, the consultant will provide legal support (including legal research, document review, fact finding, and drafting) in matters spanning from the interpretation and application of WFP's internal legal framework governing personnel rights, obligations, entitlements and workplace conduct; disciplinary cases; employment-related litigation, and provision of legal advice to WFP headquarters and field operations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES1:

Under the supervision and guidance of more senior lawyers in LEGA, the Junior Legal Consultant will undertake the following duties, with a focus on matters relating to the legal status, rights and obligations of WFP and its personnel:
- Undertake legal research and analysis on a range of substantive and procedural matters, including international administrative law, employment law and the interpretation and application of WFP's internal legal framework.

- Review legal documents, administrative records and case files; identify relevant legal and factual issues,



potential liabilities and risks; and present findings and recommendations for internal review.

- Assist in preparing legal opinions, advice, background papers, studies, memoranda, reports, correspondence, briefs and other legal documents, ensuring clarity, consistency and legal accuracy.

- Support the preparation of legal advice on the interpretation and application of WFP's Regulations, Rules, policies, procedures and other applicable legal instruments and precedents.

- Prepare and assess briefs of evidence and organize relevant factual, legal and jurisprudential materials to support legal analysis and proposed solutions.

- Assist in reviewing administrative decisions and in providing legal support for administrative review processes, disciplinary matters, workplace disputes, grievances and tribunal proceedings.

- Contribute to the preparation and negotiation of settlements and other resolutions of employment-related claims and disputes involving WFP personnel.

- Assist senior Legal Officers in servicing committees, task forces, expert working groups and other bodies, including through research, briefing notes and the preparation or review of legal documentation.

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR SHORT-TERM/CONSULTANCY CONTRACTS

- Contribute to knowledge management initiatives, including research on developments in international administrative law and relevant tribunal jurisprudence, and preparation of internal legal guidance materials.

- Perform other related duties as required.

RESULTS EXPECTED:

- Sound and well-researched legal analysis addressing the applicable legal framework, facts, precedents and relevant risks.

- Timely preparation of legal opinions, memoranda, briefs, reports and other written products drafted in a clear, concise, logical and legally accurate manner.

- Accurate identification and presentation of legal issues, potential liabilities, risk-mitigation options and recommendations for internal review.

- Effective legal support to administrative reviews, workplace matters, legal proceedings, committees and dispute-resolution processes, as assigned.

- Complete and well-organized research, evidence and case materials delivered within established deadlines and responsive to supervisory feedback.

- Professional and collaborative engagement with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, with due regard to discretion, confidentiality and WFP standards.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced university degree in law, or a first university degree in law with additional relevant training or experience. Experience: At least three years of relevant legal experience in a law firm, international organization, governmental institution or private-sector legal department.

Experience in employment law, labour law, administrative law, litigation or an international context is an asset

Knowledge & Skills:

-Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology in reviewing and processing a range of legal documents. -Strong legal research, analysis and drafting skills, including the ability to interpret and apply legal instruments and precedents.

-Sound judgement,



business acumen and the ability to identify legal risks and develop practical options.

-Strong planning, organization and time-management skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines.

-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively under guidance in a multicultural environment.

-Tact, integrity and a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

- All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
- We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
- If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.
- At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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.

📌 Legal Consultant (Roma)
🏢 World Food Programme
📍 Roma