Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Secretary-General is responsible for the investment of the assets of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). The Secretary-General has delegated this responsibility to the Representative of the Secretary-General (RSG) for the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF. The RSG heads the Office of Investment Management (OIM), which manages an approximately $100+ billion multi-asset, global investment portfolio, about 85% of which is actively managed in house. Asset classes under management comprise of global equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, timber and commodities. OIM's staff are all based in New York and come from over 40 countries. For more information, please visit OIM's website at This position is located in the Legal Team within OIM. The Legal Officer will report to the Senior Legal Officer. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Handles a range of issues related to constitutional, international, public, private, administrative law as relate to the activities of the Office of Investment Management in connection with the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF, including the interpretation and application of constitutive, legislative and other instruments governing, in consultation with senior Legal Officers. • Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepare studies, comparative studies, briefs, reports and correspondence. • Undertakes review of legal documents, instruments, or other material including contracts and supporting documentation relating to global public and private market investments and for goods and services required by the Office of Investment Management, identifies important issues, similarities, and inconsistencies, etc. • Prepares or assists in the preparation of drafts of background papers, studies, reports, in the field of relevant banking and investment law, etc. • Assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on international public or private law issues as relate to the activities of the Office of Investment Management and which may require application of the provisions of the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions and decisions and interpretation and application of UNJSPF's regulations and rules, policies and guidance documents. • Assists in the preparation of agreements with governments, and other public and private entities, as well as in the negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes and in handling private international law matters related to the activities of the Office of Investment Management in connection with the investment of the assets of the UNJSPF. • Assists committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of materials, summaries of issues, meeting reports, etc. • Assists in representing the Organization before arbitral tribunals in connection with disputes arising out of the activities of the Office of Investment Management. • Provides legal advice on human resources; reviews administrative matters. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Provides guidance to more junior staff. • Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admitted to the bar, or otherwise qualified to practice law, in a Member State of the United Nations, is required. An advanced university degree in law with specialization in international investment, banking, commercial law or corporate law is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in business or commercial law, including legal analysis, research and writing, acquired at a law firm or internal legal department, is required. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience representing asset managers in private markets and/or limited partners in connection with investments in private funds, acquired at a law firm or the internal legal department of the fund or investor, is desirable. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience drafting and negotiating financial services and/or technology licensing agreements is desirable. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience drafting agreements for investment in financial derivatives is desirable. Experience providing legal advice on the privileges and immunities of international organizations is desirable. Two or more years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

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