Legal Assistant – UN Office of Legal Affairs

About the role

The Office of Legal Affairs is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the United Nations Diplomatic Conference on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The role is based in New York with travel to the conference in Bangkok.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct basic legal research, verify facts and prepare summaries for review by Legal Officers.
• Maintain and classify legal reference files, both paper and electronic, and coordinate with archives.
• Review, verify and process legal instruments, update databases and monitor follow‑up actions.
• Prepare conference materials, handle travel logistics for participants, and liaise with conference officers and interpreters.
• Draft, edit and proofread specialized documentation and correspondence.
• Provide technical assistance for meetings, including operation of voting machines and coordination of ceremonies.
• Generate statistical reports, maintain internal databases and post documents on the website.
• Offer general office support, schedule meetings, monitor deadlines and train junior staff.

Required profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; five to seven years of relevant experience in programme administration, paralegal work or conference servicing.
• Knowledge of UN legal frameworks, research methods and information management systems.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion and to work under pressure.
• Strong teamwork, planning and organizing skills.

Required skills

• Legal research using internet, intranet and databases.
• Records management and classification.
• Drafting and editing of legal documents.
• Conference logistics and stakeholder liaison.