Overview
Provide high-level legal counsel to protect the organization from financial and reputational risks across its global operations. Manage a complex portfolio of disputes with a high degree of independence, advising on matters of public international law and commercial disputes.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently manage a portfolio of complex disputes between UNOPS and external parties arising from commercial contracts.
- Serve as the lead legal officer on assigned matters, responsible for developing case strategy, identifying and mitigating legal risk, coordinating with external counsel, and advising project offices and other internal stakeholders.
- Lead UNOPS’ representation in settlement negotiations, mediations, conciliations, and arbitration proceedings, as delegated.
- Prepare or review draft submissions, correspondence, legal opinions, and other legal documents.
- Advise on legal issues relating to UNOPS’ privileges and immunities.
- Review and negotiate legal agreements with external parties.
- Contribute to the application and interpretation of internal policies and the UNOPS legal framework.
- Provide legal advice on other institutional, administrative, or commercial law matters.
- Contribute to regular reporting on UNOPS’ legal risk exposure and support the development and maintenance of systems for tracking and analyzing dispute trends, outcomes, and costs.
- Analyze dispute-related data to identify systemic risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for early intervention.
- Collaborate with other legal advisors, project teams, and policy units to find timely, legally sound solutions to operational challenges.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of the UNOPS regulatory framework and internal guidance materials.
- Support corporate and cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving the alignment of legal, policy, and operational systems.
- Contribute to institutional learning by capturing insights and lessons from dispute resolution activities.
- Develop or contribute to internal legal training sessions, briefings, and workshops.
- Engage in cross-practice knowledge-sharing to improve legal awareness and strengthen risk mitigation.
- Maintain and update internal repositories, templates, and knowledge products related to dispute resolution and legal risk management.
- Monitor external developments in arbitration, public international law, and commercial dispute resolution and share relevant trends and best practices.
Required Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of professional legal experience in international commercial dispute resolution is required.
- Relevant dispute resolution experience may include roles as legal counsel in a law firm, in-house legal advisor, legal officer in an international organization, or other positions involving the management, coordination, or resolution of commercial disputes.
- Prior experience as a lawyer in a law firm representing clients in international commercial and/or investment arbitration is highly desirable.
- Experience in infrastructure and construction-related disputes is a strong asset.
- Experience advising on the privileges and immunities of the United Nations or other international organizations is a strong asset.
- Experience providing legal advice within or in support of a government agency, international organization, or comparable public-sector institution is an asset.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Law or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
