Organizational context: The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. The Legal Office provides comprehensive legal advice across administrative, contractual, constitutional, and maritime law. This role is within the Administrative and Employment Law Branch (LEGA), contributing to global legal support for WFP offices.

Job purpose: The Legal Officer P2 will provide essential legal advice and services to support WFP offices worldwide, focusing primarily on administrative and employment law, with an expectation to contribute to other legal branches. The role involves conducting legal research, analyzing and drafting legal documents, and advising on the interpretation and application of WFP's legal framework, policies, and procedures. The incumbent will assist in handling contentious matters, including disciplinary and conduct issues, and represent WFP before administrative tribunals. This position offers an opportunity to develop expertise in international organizational law, employment law, and dispute resolution within a dynamic humanitarian context, contributing to the effective and compliant operation of WFP's global mission.

Responsibilities: The Legal Officer P2, under the guidance of a senior Legal Officer, is responsible for conducting legal research and analysis on substantive and procedural matters. This role involves reviewing various legal documents such as agreements, memoranda of understanding, and contracts to identify legal issues, risks, and ensure compliance with legal frameworks. The officer will assist in providing legal advice on the interpretation and application of WFP's regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, as well as relevant international conventions. Key duties include drafting legal documents like opinions, reports, and submissions,



and providing legal support in administrative or tribunal proceedings and arbitration. The position also entails assisting in the assessment of disciplinary cases and appeals, preparing litigation submissions, and aiding in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes involving WFP and its personnel. Furthermore, the Legal Officer P2 will identify legal risks and liabilities, assist in developing risk mitigation measures, and support senior officers in servicing committees and working groups through legal research and advice. The role may also involve work related to employment law, contractual modalities, and privileges and immunities, with an expectation to engage in matters pertaining to other branches of the Legal Office.

Education

Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law, or a first university degree in law with additional relevant experience and training in private, commercial, or public law. They must also be qualified to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible legal practice experience is required.

Work experience

Requires an advanced university degree in law or a first degree with additional relevant experience. Must be qualified to practice law. Minimum of three years of progressive legal experience in a law firm, international organization, government, or company. Prior litigation or employment law experience is advantageous. Fluency in English and intermediate knowledge of another UN official language or Portuguese are necessary.

Skills

Legal Research and Analysis, Legal Document Review, Legal Advice Drafting, Contract Drafting, Litigation Support, Disciplinary Case Assessment, Claim Negotiation and Settlement, Risk Assessment, Legal Interpretation, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Time Management Skills, Communication Skills, Business Acumen, Discretion and Confidentiality

Required languages

English

Desired languages

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese

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📌 Legal OfficerLEGA (2 positions) (Roma)
🏢 WFP
📍 Roma