LEGAL OFFICER (Office of Executive Director), P4,(NAIROBI)

	The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the focal point for human settlements in the United Nations. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. This post is located in the Office of Management, UN-Habitat.
		Responsibilities
	Under the direct supervision of the Head, Office of Management, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following:  (1) Handle a wide range of multi-discipline and complex legal matters involving issues of international, public, private and administrative law, including interpretation and application of instruments in operational activities; (2) Provide advice to the Executive Director and senior managers on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity; (3) Perform legal research and analysis and prepare legal opinions, briefs, reports and correspondence; (4) Provide advice on copyright issues and use of UN-HABITAT’s logo and name in publications; (5) Review, advise and draft contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities or legal documents; (6) Liaise with UNON Senior Legal Officer and UN Office of Legal Affairs on legal matters of common interest; (7) Represent UN-HABITAT in various ad-hoc committees, working groups and task forces; and (8) Perform any other duties that may be assigned.
		Competencies
	• Professionalism:  Good theoretical knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, indictments or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two way communication; tailors language, tones, styles and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Judgement/Decision Making:  Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
		Education
	Advance university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law.  A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required..  Experience with United Nations staff regulations and rules, policies, procedures and operations is desirable
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required.  Working knowledge of French is desirable.  Knowledge of another official language of the UN is an advantage
		Assessment Method
	Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview
		Special Notice
	Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.  In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
		United Nations Considerations
	The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

LEGAL OFFICER (Office of Executive Director), P4,(NAIROBI), Deadline:-13 October 2012