Legal Officer P2

The Legal Officer P2 in the LEGM branch provides legal support on WFP's supply chain activities including procurement, transport, logistics, shipping, aviation, insurance, construction, engineering, real estate and contract law. The role involves legal research, drafting legal documents, supporting dispute resolution, and advising on legal risks and compliance within WFP's operations.

Responsibilities

• Undertake legal research and analysis on multidisciplinary legal matters in LEGM's areas of concentration, including procurement, transport, logistics, shipping, aviation, insurance, commercial and contract law, construction, engineering and related international trade matters, to facilitate the provision of quality legal services.
• Review legal documents, identify and analyse issues, and present findings and recommendations for internal review to support informed decision-making.
• Assist in preparing legal opinions, advice, background papers, studies, memoranda, reports, correspondence and other legal documents, ensuring clarity, coherence and quality.
• Contribute to drafting and reviewing agreements, contracts, amendments, policies, guidelines and procedures relating to LEGM's areas of work.
• Contribute to the preparation, pursuit, negotiation and settlement of claims and disputes with suppliers, contractors, transporters, insurers and other commercial counterparties.
• Identify potential liabilities, particularly vis-a-vis third parties, and assist in managing legal and operational risks arising from WFP activities.
• Prepare and assess briefs of evidence and supporting documentation to contribute to legal analysis, claims management and dispute resolution.
• Assist in providing legal advice and interpretations on relevant WFP Regulations, Rules, policies, procedures, international conventions, agreements and administrative decisions on the LEGM portfolio.
• Provide support, under guidance, to WFP Country Offices, Global Offices and Headquarters units on legal matters within LEGM's areas of competence.
• Assist more senior Legal Officers in servicing committees, task forces, expert working groups and other bodies through legal research, advice and the preparation or review of legal documents.
• Support dispute resolution or litigation proceedings, including liaison with external counsel, as instructed.
• Contribute to commodity management actions and to legal awareness or training activities for WFP business units.
• Perform other related duties as required by the Legal Office.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Law, or First University degree in Law with additional relevant experience and training in private, commercial or public law.
• Must be qualified to practice or admitted to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or law society, or have equivalent professional legal practice experience.
• At least three years or more of relevant experience in law and provision of legal services.
• Relevant experience in one or more of LEGM's areas of work, such as private commercial law, international trade law, procurement, contracts, logistics, transport, shipping, aviation, insurance, construction, engineering, real estate, commodity management, claims or dispute resolution, is desirable.
• Experience in an international organization, law firm, government institution or multinational environment is an advantage.
• Fluency (level C) in English language.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination and processing of a range of legal documents.
• Knowledge of various legal research sources and techniques, and the ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, international conventions and agreements and draft legal papers.
• Ability to draft clear, concise and context-appropriate legal documents, with sound analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Good negotiation skills and a practical, problem-solving approach.
• Business acumen and awareness of the operational context in which legal advice is provided.
• Strong time-management and priority-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tact, discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
• Openness to learning, receiving guidance and development through coaching and feedback.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Skills

• Legal Practice
• Private Commercial Law
• International Trade Law
• Public Procurement Laws
• Contract Law
• Logistics Law
• Transport Law
• Shipping Law
• Civil Aviation Law
• Insurance Law
• Construction Law
• Engineering Law
• Real Estate Law
• Commodity Management Law
• Claims and Disputes Resolution
• Legal Research
• Legal Drafting
• Negotiation Skills
• Legal Risk Management
• Legal Compliance
• Time Management
• Confidential Information Handling

Languages

English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese