Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff
working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to
make a change.
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the
most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.
The Head Field Legal Office reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs or Deputy Director of
UNRWA Affairs (Operations) as applicable.
Responsibilities
– Leads the programme of work and management of the human and financial resources of the
Field Legal Office and provides legal and technical advice and mentoring for the Field Legal
Office’s lawyers in coordination with and under the technical oversight of, as appropriate, the
Department of Legal Affairs (DLA); Advises on and ensures the consistent interpretation and
application of the Agency’s regulatory framework and international law, in particular
UNRWA Area and International Staff Regulations, Rules and associated administrative
issuances, Financial Regulations and Organizational Directives.
– Provides legally sound, timely, easily applied, politically sensitive and consistent advice on
matters related to UNRWA’s operations including, but not limited to, the delivery of Agency’s
services and, in coordination with the Department of Legal Affairs, the protection of the
rights, privileges and immunities of the Agency and its staff in the Field.
– Drafts, reviews, and as appropriate, supervises and oversees the negotiation of all types of
field-related contractual modalities, including contracts for procurement of goods and/or
services, the construction and maintenance of buildings, use of land, lease agreements,
memoranda of understanding, legal submissions and other legal documents related to the
Field operation.
– Provides legal advice and assistance on matters relating to administrative and employment
law and other relevant issues including advising the application of the Agency’s regulatory
framework relating to administrative and disciplinary measures and entitlements.
– In coordination with the DLA as appropriate, provides legal advice and assistance on the
interpretation and application of relevant public international law, international human rights,
humanitarian and refugee law and practice, particularly as it relates to protection of and the
provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestine refugees in the Field having particular
regard to humanitarian principles; advises on, promotes and addresses the status and mandate
of the Agency, the privileges and immunities attached to the Agency, its assets and its
personnel as well as related responsibilities of the Agency and its personnel.
– Liaises, in coordination with Field and HR colleagues, as appropriate, with relevant external
actors such as the local governmental authorities to safeguard and facilitate the Field’s
operations, including following up on the implementation of the Field’s requests to the
relevant authorities and drawing the attention of senior Agency officials to potential problems
or disputes with the relevant authorities.
– Advises on resolution of contractual and tortious claims against the Agency and its staff
members in their official capacity, including overseeing, supporting and/or conducting
negotiations, settlements and arbitration (in coordination with DLA).
– Seeks access to and information about Agency staff in detention; interviews staff during or
after their release from detention, and if applicable advises upon applications for
reinstatement and reemployment in coordination with DLA.
– Provides advice and support to, and as requested, participates in investigations into
allegations of staff member misconduct and other matters in consultation with the Department
of Internal Oversight Services, HQ, as appropriate.
– Serves on and provides legal advice to various Boards and Committees as requested,
including as member of the Local Committee on Procurement.
Competencies
UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core
Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by
default.
– Deciding and Initiating Action
– Analyzing
– Relating and Networking
– Delivering Results
– Managing Complexity and Change
– Ability to negotiate effectively..
– Good English drafting skills.
– Ability to progress with work independently and to participate as a member of a team.
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.
org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited education institution
in Law preferably with specialization in international, administrative/public, employment, or
commercial law and preferably admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
At least eight years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience as a
lawyer in the United Nations, other international organization, government service, the
commercial/private sector or NGO, including a period of experience in contract or
commercial law, or administrative or employment law is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a
minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and
outside the country(s) of citizenship is required.
Knowledge of the history and contemporary issues of the Middle East is desirable.
Familiarity with the UN Common system and practices is desirable.
Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Working knowledge of spoken and written Arabic is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be
followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.
Gaza is a non-family duty station.
The Head Field Legal Office will be required to reside in her/his duty station and may travel
occasionally to other areas of the Agency’s operations in the Middle East.
Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be
considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the
requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become
eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post.
Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying
experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not
considered an acceptable combination.
UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states,
regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA
is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the
difficult circumstances in which they live.
For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
How to apply
Link to the Job Opening: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=202110&Lang=en-US