Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), duty station Bangui. The incumbent will report to the Special Representative of the Secretary -General through the Mission Chief of Staff.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Mission Chief of Staff, and within delegated authority, the Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Supports the supervisor in the implementation of the work programme of the Section and provides legal expertise and advice on a wide range of complex legal issues affecting the United Nations Mission’s mandate and activities, including public international, private and administrative law matters, as well as issues of constitutional and other national law as they affect the Mission or the mandate.
• In particular, provides or supports the Mission Leadership in the provision of legal advice and expertise on the interpretation of the Mission’s mandate, the legal status of the Mission and its members, including in areas such as privileges and immunities and Status of Forces/Status of Mission Agreements; advise on aspects of the Mission’s operational activities, including the Mission’s rules of engagement and directives on the use of force and related guidelines, matters relating to international law, including international humanitarian law, international criminal law and the protection of civilians, as appropriate; advises and supports the Head or Mission and the Mission Leadership in the provision of advice on administrative, personnel and contractual matters related to the Mission’s activities, including issues relating to the accountability of personnel, procurement matters, third party claims, as well as legal questions involving the interpretation or application of UN regulations and rules.
• Drafts and reviews agreements, institutional and operational modalities, major contracts, legal submissions and other legal documents and provides advice on and participates in negotiations for the settlement of claims and disputes.
• Briefings with senior mission officials and facilitating the daily work of journalists covering the mission; facilitating media visits to the mission area; responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of the Mission and/or the mission’s leadership; conceptualize and implement timely communication strategies in reaction to crisis situations.
• Assists and supports the supervisor in establishing and maintaining good working relations with government officials (ministries, authorities and agencies) and other entities on legal matters related to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate, including the implementation of agreements and other arrangements with the host, or with other governments; liaises and participates in meetings and discussions with governments and other institutions and entities; liaises with other UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as other internal and external actors and organizations, as required.
• Participates in administrative Boards and Committees, including in relation to the procurement process, claims and property management, and on ad hoc working groups and task forces, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assists and supports the supervisor in the management and administration of the unit, including organizing and prioritizing workload and managing, supervising and guiding more junior legal officers.
• Performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports, and correspondence, represents the Service at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.
Work Experience
