The Legal Specialist is a member of LG’s Dispute Resolution Practice and reports to the Legal Advisor, Dispute Resolution. S/he contributes to the Practice’s work activities in providing timely and efficient dispute resolution advice in the context of UNOPS projects around the world to protect the organization from financial and reputational risks. The Legal Specialist may also be required to provide other legal advice under the responsibility of LG as needed The Legal Specialist is a good communicator, open to challenges, and versed in handling complex legal issues in a fast-paced work environment. The Legal Specialist works closely with UNOPS country and regional offices as well as policy units and other specialized teams within UNOPS that support UNOPS activities.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **
This is a retainer position and not a full-time one. Retainer positions constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period of time, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office.
The Legal Specialist provides legal support and expertise in dispute resolution and other legal matters to protect UNOPS from financial and reputational risks. S/he contributes to the effective management of legal issues arising from UNOPS projects worldwide.
1. Provide Dispute Resolution Advice
Provide legal advice in connection with disputes between UNOPS and external parties arising from commercial contracts, with a focus on protecting the organization from financial and reputational risks.
Represent UNOPS in settlement negotiations, mediations and conciliations under the supervision and guidance of the Legal Advisor, with the support of outside counsel as needed.
Support arbitration proceedings under the supervision of the Legal Advisor.
Provide other dispute resolution support as needed.
2. Provide Other Support to UNOPS Operations
Advise on UN privileges and immunities.
Review and negotiate legal agreements.
Support the application, interpretation and adoption of corporate policies, guidelines and best practices.
Provide other legal advice falling under the responsibilities of LG as needed.
3.Contribute to Business Efficiency
Support regular reporting on UNOPS’ liability risk and maintain overviews and databases of disputes handled by LG for audit and record keeping purposes.
Support ongoing analyses of LG-related data to identify risks, opportunities and trends.
Work closely with other legal advisors and relevant policy units within UNOPS to address country and project challenges aiming at finding suitable and timely solutions.
Support corporate and cross-functional initiatives and contribute to ensure that internal policies, processes and systems are aligned with the overall regulatory framework, and are practical, relevant and add value to organizational operations.
