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.

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.

UNDP’s 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.

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.

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.

Under the supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor, C+I, the Legal Assistant is responsible for the following areas:

Core:  CoreBehaviouralCompetencies.pdf (undp.org)

Achieve Results:

• Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

• Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously

• Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility

• Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination

• Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner

• Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion

• Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

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.

Effectiveness – Quality Assurance

• Ability to perform administrative and procedural activities to ensure that quality requirements and goals are fulfilled

General – 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.

Education:

• Secondary/high school diploma is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal or prelaw studies is desirable.
• A paralegal certificate, although not required, is a distinct advantage.

Experience:

• 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 Bachelor’s degree. Experience in a legal office is an advantage.
• 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.