Italy: Legal Officer P3

Organization: World Food Programme
Country: Italy
Closing date: 05 Oct 2014

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking qualified individuals for the position of Legal Officer at P3 level, which will be based in the Contractual & Constitutional Law Branch at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

As part of its private-sector partnership strategy, WFP has established, within the Legal Office, a due diligence team which is responsible for vetting prospective donors and partners. Under the general supervision and guidance of the Deputy Director of the Legal Office, the Legal Officer will oversee the work of the due diligence team and be responsible for the following duties:

• Implement due diligence procedures and develop research criteria;
• Supervise research and preliminary risk assessments;
• Prepare reports and present the outcomes to the appropriate bodies;
• Monitor world trends for social corporate responsibility;
• Assist in the development of corporate policies;
• Draft concept notes, manuals, guidelines, training material as necessary;
• Provide on-going training to team members, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.

In addition, the incumbent will also be responsible for the following general legal work:

• Carry out research and provide advice on various legal issues;
• Draft, negotiate, review commercial and operational contracts;
• Handle a wide range of multidisciplinary, highly complex, and often sensitive and/or conflicting legal matters, involving issues relating to international, public, private and administrative law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in the relevant area of concentration;
• Identify potential liabilities and assist in the management of risks in the Programme’s activities, particularly vis-a-vis third parties;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education:

• Advanced university degree in Law;
• Qualifications to practice law or admitted to practice by a recognized national or state bar or law society.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of postgraduate professional legal experience in an international organization, in a private company or in a law firm, in an international context;
• Proven record of accomplishment in leading due diligence and research projects;
• Strong experience in business and legal risk analysis;
• Recent practicing experience is required;
• Experience in both the private sector and international organizations is desirable;

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

Essential:

• Excellent on-demand research skills and advanced knowledge of information research methodologies and techniques;
• Advanced knowledge of legal issues relevant to corporate social responsibility activities, private-public partnerships, data protection and fundraising;
• Advanced knowledge of technology and computer systems, including MS Office, research databases, public data and social media tools;

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Salesforce.com and SharePoint;
• Sound understanding of public, private, governmental and non-profit organizations including their corporate structure, ownership and governance & control mechanisms;
• Sound understanding of international organizations’ private sector policies;
• General knowledge of United Nations system policies, rules, regulations and procedures.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills with ability to conceptualize issues and analyse data;
• Strong communication and presentation skills with proven ability to write accurately and concisely;
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate work and meet deadlines;
• High degree of independent, mature judgment and initiative;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Language:

• Written and oral proficiency (level C) in English and intermediate knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is essential; Working knowledge of an additional UN official language or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is an asset.

How to apply:

Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/14-0015526

Step 1: Register and create your online CV.

Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.

NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications:5 October 2014