Welcome to the start of your journey towards becoming a Legal Officer! 

Thank you for your interest in the talent pipeline for Legal Officer—a critical role in upholding the rule of law within the UN's operations. We are excited to guide you through what it means to be a Legal Officer within the UN Secretariat. Read on to discover the responsibilities of the role and the qualifications needed to join this talent pipeline. 

What does a “Legal Officer” do at the UN? 

As a Legal Officer, you will be at the heart of the UN’s legal framework, providing essential support in legal analysis, research, and advisory services. Within delegated authority, you are responsible for conducting extensive legal research and analysis and preparing background materials, memoranda, studies, briefs, and reports on various legal documents in international law as requested by the General Assembly, the International Law Commission and other bodies. You should be competent to provide legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity and will be required to review, advise on and draft complex contracts, agreements, institutional and operational modalities, and other legal documents, as well as develop new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances. You will contribute to reviewing and designing new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy and/or guidelines. Familiarity with various legal research sources, including electronic databases, and the ability to analyze a wide range of legal issues across civil and common law systems is important. You must also possess strong legal judgment, excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and the capacity to draft clear and concise legal papers under pressure. Skills in data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes and communicate findings to management will be beneficial. 

Are you ready for this role? 

To join the “Legal Officer” talent pipeline, here’s what’s required. 

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international law. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience in international legal proceedings or human rights law is an advantage. 

Language: Have at least an intermediate level of English in all four areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).  

Knowledge, skills, and capabilities: You should have strong foundation in legal research and writing, evidence assessment, legal advisory roles, contract drafting, and project management is essential. Proficiency in collaborating with colleagues, preparing legal opinions, and supporting tribunals or negotiations. Expertise in legal principles, concepts, procedures, and terminology for the review, examination, and processing of legal documents is critical. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic databases, and the ability to research and analyze a wide range of legal issues across civil and common law systems. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, draft clear and concise legal papers, provide well-reasoned recommendations under pressure. Skills in data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes and communicate findings to management. Strong legal judgment and the capacity to work effectively within the context of complex assignments. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Take the leap—Your future awaits: 

You have made an excellent choice in selecting the Legal Officer talent pipeline! Now, it’s time to prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead. The UN Talent Pipeline will provide you with the training, mentorship, and resources needed to excel. However, please remember that this is a capacity-building programme, not a direct job offer. 

Apply today to join the talent pipeline and take the next step toward a future where you can make a meaningful impact as a Legal Officer, contributing to the mission of the United Nations.