Associate Legal Officer (JPO) - UNRWA

About the role

UNRWA's Department of Legal Affairs is recruiting an Associate Legal Officer (JPO) in Amman. The post is part of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is open only to nationals of the countries listed by the Nedworc Foundation; Jordanian nationals are excluded. The JPO reports to the Director of Legal Affairs and works closely with the General Law Unit (administrative, commercial and institutional law, litigation) and the International Law Unit (privileges and immunities, human rights and humanitarian law).

Key responsibilities

• Support the Department's legal advisory work: take part in the daily work of the two units, support the Director in advising UNRWA leadership and division heads on complex legal issues, and understand the Department's functions and priorities.
• Handle an assigned portfolio of legal cases and projects, including litigation, internal justice matters, diplomatic correspondence and legal opinions on international law.
• Review commercial contracts and support the legal aspects of procurement and other operations.
• Undertake designated legal projects that strengthen the Agency's legal practices and frameworks.
• Take part in official meetings and follow-up actions, and exchange with legal advisers across the UN system.

Required profile

• Nationality of a country on the Nedworc Foundation list; Jordanian nationals cannot apply.
• Ability to carry out legal research, analysis and application of international and general law, and legal drafting and advisory work.
• Understanding of UNRWA's mandate, operations and institutional framework.
• Interpersonal, communication and stakeholder coordination skills, with professional judgement, discretion, confidentiality and ethical conduct.

What we offer

• A three-year training programme: Year 1 induction and on-the-job learning, Year 2 advanced legal practice and collaboration, Year 3 consolidation and career development.
• An annual Duty Travel and Training Allowance of USD 4,000 for learning, travel and professional development.