Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a โleave no one behindโ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. ย UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.ย ย UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.ย UNDPโs mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.ย ย As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.ย ย UNDP personnel are united by a common purpose: to help countries and communities across the world pursue peaceful, prosperous lives, lived in harmony with the planet. The Office of Legal Services in the Bureau for Management Services (BMS/OLS) provides strategic legal services of the highest standard to UNDP, UNCDF and UN Volunteers, giving pragmatic and timely legal advice that enables the right people to make good decisions.
Position Purpose:
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Legal Advisor, Corporate and Institutional Legal Practice (C+I), the Legal Assistant provides high-level and administrative and paralegal support to Legal Advisers and Specialists in C+I.
ย ย Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor, C+I, the Legal Assistant is responsible for the following areas:
Provides high-level and administrative and paralegal support to Legal Advisers and Specialists in C+I
Reporting to the Senior Legal Adviser and Head of C+I, the Legal Assistant provides general office support including processing, drafting, editing, proofreading, and finalizing for signature/approval a variety of correspondence and/or specialized legal documentation.Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date log of matters handled by C+I, and knowledge management system, working closely with the Senior Legal Adviser on the knowledge content, and to make improvements to such systems, and prepare data and analytics based on such systems:
Monitor log and bring any overlaps or gaps to the attention of the Senior Legal Adviser.Provide administrative support, including purchasing, recruitment, budget administration and payments, in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
Setting up and maintaining electronic and hardcopy files including retirement, storage andย retrieval as appropriate. Schedule appointments and meetings, prepare documents and monitor deadlines. Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.Handle a variety of verbal and written inquiries from internal and external parties, including providing detailed information on processes and procedures related to legal instruments, issues, etc.
Conduct basic research on assigned matters using existing various sources of information, including UN/UNDP databases, the Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures, legal files and/or alternative sources; verify facts, identify citations, percentages, accuracy of figures.
Maintains internal databases on cases for logging, tracking, and trend analysis and knowledge management, maintenance of the C&I information on the OLS intranet. Competencies
Core: ย CoreBehaviouralCompetencies.pdf (undp.org)
Achieve Results:
Level 1:ย Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadlineThink Innovatively:
Level 1:ย Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.Learn Continuously
Level 1:ย Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.Adapt with Agility
Act with Determination ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Level 1:ย Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.Engage and Partner
Level 1:ย Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.Enable Diversity and Inclusion
Level 1:ย Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical competenciesย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Administration and Operations - Priority Setting
Ability to scan and synthesize diverse sets of information to arrive at administrative priorities and recommendations.Administration and Operations - Documents and Record Management
Overall record management (electronic or hard); registry and retention policy including storing and archiving.Technical - Legal (General)
Knowledge of legal issues facing the UNDP and ability to apply them to practical situations.Effectivenessย - Quality Assurance
Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to ensure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilledGeneral - Office Administration
Ability to manage day-to-day office activities (including travel management, facilities and asset management, policy and procedures maintenance) to meet operational needs.Partnership - Team Building
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals.Partnership - Communication
Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders.
ย Required Skills and Experience ย Education: Secondary/high school diploma is required. Bachelorโs degree in paralegal or prelaw studies is desirable. A paralegal certificate, although not required, is a distinct advantage. Experience: ย Required A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience for applicants with a secondary/high school diploma, or two (2) years of relevant work experience for applicants with a Bachelorโs degree. Experience in a legal office is an advantage.ย Experience in handling MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Proficiency in English, both written and oral.
Desirable:
Working knowledge of another UN language desirable Paralegal Certificate is an advantage. Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.ย Disclaimer
ย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
ย Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.ย
ย UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
ย Non-discrimination
ย UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.ย ย
ย UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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