Organizational Setting
FAO is the specialized Agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food.
The Finance Division (CSF) recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization's financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO's custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome Italy, in CSF’s Treasury and Banking Operations Branch (CSFT) which manages the Organization's liquidity, providing oversight to externally managed investment portfolios and enables FAO's operations through the maintenance of FAO's banking partnerships and operations and execution of foreign exchange operations.
Reporting Lines
The Financial Legal Support Officer reports to the Senior Finance Officer, Head of Treasury and Banking.
Technical Focus
To provide procedural advice to ensure efficient and effective investment, payment, and banking services, and to support the contracting activities of the Treasury and Banking Operations Branch, in compliance with the relevant FAO rules and regulations.
Key Results
Ensure that treasury and banking operations activities comply with FAO's established policies, procedures and rules and reflect best practice.
Key Functions
Provides advisory support on legal aspects related to any banking, investment or payment process, liaising with the Legal Office as appropriate and, for matters falling with its competence, undertake necessary consultations and/or securing clearances as needed.
Participates in meetings with financial counterparties to assist in the negotiation on contractual terms and conditions when so needed and/or in case of potential disputes.
Drafts complex contracts, reviews investment, payment and banking agreements, formulation of special legal provisions and/or formal letters that may have legal implications and liaises with the Legal Office seeking their clearance.
Drafts guidelines, documents and communications relevant to the treasury and banking operations function, around legal matters and risk mitigation to ensure appropriate transfer of knowledge and information sharing.
Prepares reviews of specific financial regulatory changes which may impact the work of FAO Treasury and Banking Operations Branch. Undertakes the above functions in close coordination with the Legal Office, including necessary consultations and/or clearances, recognizing that these specific functions are without prejudice to the Legal Office's role as the sole unit with the formal competence to provide advice to the technical units of the Organization and its Governing Bodies on legal matters.
Assists in the initial review of financial contracts before submission for legal clearance.
Undertakes the above functions in close coordination with the Legal Office, including necessary consultations and/or clearances, recognizing that these specific functions are without prejudice to the Legal Office's role as the sole unit with the formal competence to provide advice to the technical units of the Organization and its Governing Bodies on legal matters.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, with an emphasis on commercial contract law. A first level university degree in law combined with an additional two 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.
Five years of professional legal experience in commercial contract law including at least two years of relevant experience in the field of finance, banking, asset management, or financial services.
Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).
Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
Extent and relevance of experience within international institutions (central banks, multilateral entities, sovereign funds, banks, insurance companies, asset management firms).
Extent and relevance of experience in advisory support in the areas of commercial contract law, finance, banking, asset management, and in in drafting procurement procedures, solicitation documents and contractual instruments.
Demonstrated experience and ability to draft complex contracts with substantial legal content in English.