Director, Legal Affairs

About the role

The Office of Legal Affairs seeks a Director to lead its Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. Reporting to the Under‑Secretary‑General for Legal Affairs, the Director will oversee the United Nations’ implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and related programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Organise and supervise substantive support to UN bodies such as the General Assembly, the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention, and the Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf.
• Lead the Division’s interim secretariat functions under the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
• Coordinate with international organisations, programmes and stakeholders on ocean‑related legal matters.
• Monitor, review and analyse developments in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, producing legal publications.
• Support the Under‑Secretary‑General as the focal point for UN Oceans.
• Oversee capacity‑building programmes, including training courses and manuals on the law of the sea.
• Manage communications with Permanent Missions, government entities and international organisations.
• Supervise the Division’s administrative and operational activities.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in international law, maritime law or a related field.
• Extensive experience in public international law, especially the Law of the Sea.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior legal or diplomatic environment.
• Strong record of collaboration with UN bodies, member states and international organisations.

Required skills