Legal Assistant, G5 at UN-Habitat

Job Description

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Urban Economy Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to promote local capabilities of local governments to develop financial instruments to keep pace with the demands of rapid urbanization. The Urban Economy Branch has the mandate to promote plans and provide support for more efficient, socially inclusive, better integrated and connected cities that foster sustainable urban development.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief Legal Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

 Research and compile legal materials for use in the preparation of legal opinions, for inclusion in studies and reports and for matters before the administrative tribunal.  Handle, or refer to the appropriate officer, as necessary, a variety of verbal and written inquiries from internal and external parties, including providing information on processes and procedures related to specific legal activities, instruments.  Under supervision, may review, summarize and index significant rulings, legal opinions, recommendations.  Under supervision, may review, verify and process legal instruments, ensuring conformity to relevant guidelines and requirements, extract key data and update database, monitor requisite follow-up actions, approvals.  Under supervision, may edit and conduct final checks for accuracy of a variety of specialized legal documentation, instruments, publications and related correspondence.  Service various committees, hearings and other meetings; select and compile relevant background materials; assist in the preparation of relevant documents; attend meetings and drafts minutes/notes; monitor follow-up actions.  Coordinate ceremonies and related meetings, ensuring timely receipt of legal instruments and other requisite documentation.  Assist in the preparation of legal documents for electronic storage, access and circulation/publication, including document scanning and conversion, review of content and extraction of key data and text excerpts for categorization and indexing purposes.  Provide initial technical support to users to resolve hardware/software problems and provide a link with the ITSD Support Help Desk; assist in forecasting budget for information technology requirements; maintain an inventory of existing computer equipment.  Provide general office support services; draft, edit, proofreads and finalizes for signature and/or process a variety of correspondence and other communications.  Set up and maintains reference files/records (electronic and paper).  Schedule appointments/meetings, monitor deadlines.  Performs other related duties as assigned by the Legal Officer.

Requirements

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of and ability to handle general office and administrative support including administrative policies and procedures; 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. Planning and 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and respond appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two way communication; Tailors language, tones, styles and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits inputs 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Training in computer skills and the use of specialized software applications such as Microsoft Office is required. Supplementary training in legal and/or paralegal work is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years experience in administrative functions and general office support is required Extensive experience in research, paralegal/legal work, conference servicing, library work, drafting and review of documentation, correspondence and reports is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.