Legal Officer – International Law & Arbitration

About the role

The Legal Officer position is based in the General Legal Division of the Office of Legal Affairs in New York. Reporting to a Senior Legal Officer, Principal Legal Officer and the Director of the General Legal Division, the role supports United Nations activities through legal analysis and advice.

Key responsibilities

• Handle issues in international commercial law, public and private international law, and administrative law, interpreting UN legislative instruments.
• Conduct extensive legal research, prepare briefs, memoranda, reports and correspondence.
• Review legal documents, identify key issues, inconsistencies and provide legal opinions on contracts, procurement, peacekeeping, claims and arbitrations.
• Assist in negotiations, settlement of disputes, and drafting complex contracts with vendors, NGOs and other entities.
• Represent the Organization in arbitral tribunals and administrative proceedings, including the UN Appeals Tribunal.
• Provide advice on financial and staff regulations, review administrative decisions and draft issuances.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in law or equivalent combination of first‑level degree plus two years experience.
• Admission to practice law in a UN Member State.
• Minimum five years of progressive legal experience, including international commercial arbitration and claims analysis.
• Fluency in English (UN Level III); French (UN Level II) or Spanish (UN Level I) desirable.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis.
• Legal drafting and contract negotiation.
• Arbitration and dispute resolution.
• Knowledge of international commercial, public and private international law, and administrative law.