Legal Officer

About the role

The Legal Officer will support UNEP's Corporate Services Division by providing legal research, advisory, and drafting services across a wide range of institutional, administrative, operational and corporate matters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on UNEP corporate and institutional matters, including drafting and negotiating MoUs, cooperation agreements, procurement contracts and other legal instruments.
• Assist with administrative and internal justice issues, representing the organization in personnel disputes and UN dispute tribunals.
• Support investigations and oversight matters related to fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other compliance issues.
• Guide junior staff and interns, collect and analyse data for reporting, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international law or a related field, or a first‑level degree with at least two additional years of qualifying experience.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible legal experience, preferably in an international or multilateral environment.
• Strong knowledge of UN legal frameworks, civil/common law systems, and ability to interpret legislative instruments.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis
• Drafting and negotiating legal documents
• Advisory on procurement, intellectual property, and administrative law
• Ability to represent the organization in dispute tribunals and oversight investigations