Legal Officer

About the role

The Legal Officer will work within the Registry of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT) in New York, supporting the adjudication of appeals filed by current and former UN staff. Reporting to the UNAT Registrar and the Principal Registrar, the role combines substantive legal analysis with administrative assistance.

Key responsibilities

• Provide substantive, technical and administrative support for case adjudication by UNAT judges.
• Review parties’ submissions and conduct legal research to prepare briefing memoranda.
• Assist judges in drafting, reviewing and finalising judgments, ensuring consistency and editorial uniformity.
• Handle interlocutory motions, draft legal texts, and address complex legal matters related to administrative and employment law.
• Prepare case law summaries for the OAJ portal and offer legal advice on procedural and substantive issues.
• Draft, review and advise on legal documents and correspondence.
• Support Registry initiatives and perform other duties as required.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of civil and/or common law systems and legal research sources.
• Ability to interpret legislative instruments and produce clear, concise legal opinions.
• Proven capacity to draft legal papers under pressure and apply sound legal judgment.
• Professionalism, attention to deadlines, and resilience in stressful situations.
• Commitment to gender equality and inclusive participation.

Required skills