Overview
This call for expressions of interest is for identifying suitably qualified experts for short-term assignments with the General Legal Affairs Service. The experts will provide legal advice on various matters related to the Organization's operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice to units within Headquarters and FAO Decentralized Offices on legal matters related to their operations.
- Advise on contracts, procurement of services, intellectual property, and settlements or litigation concerning contractual matters.
- Advise on instruments for operationalizing and managing engagements and partnerships with the private sector.
- Advise on tools, instruments, and services supporting digital innovation, information technologies, and electronic processes.
- Advise on host country agreements for FAO decentralized offices, including privileges and immunities, and support negotiations.
- Provide support in litigation, particularly UNCITRAL arbitrations.
- Advise on the Governing Bodies and Statutory Bodies of FAO and the interpretation or application of governing instruments.
Required Experience
- Between one to ten years of relevant legal experience (minimum one year for Category C; minimum five years for Category B; minimum ten years for Category A) in commercial law, public international law, law of international organizations.
- Experience in contract/procurement law, public international law, and law of international organizations.
- Experience in delivery of legal advice with a specific focus on procurement and contract-related matters, including drafting and revision of templates, general terms and conditions, and documents detailing internal processes and guidance.
- Experience in drafting and interpreting contracts, Letters of Agreement, and similar instruments for the acquisition of goods, services, and works, including banking/financial arrangements, software and other less common types of contractual arrangements.
- Experience in negotiations, and the conduct of mediation or arbitration proceedings.
- Work experience in supporting field operations of UN System or other intergovernmental or governmental organizations.
- Experience in drafting legal advice and providing support in formal meetings, negotiations, mediation and dispute settlement settings.
- Experience of advising on contract law and procurement issues in a governmental or intergovernmental setting will be a distinct advantage.
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree in law. A first level university degree in law combined with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience and with completion of professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
