Legal Affairs Officer (Internal Candidates Only)

About the role

UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestine refugees, is recruiting a Legal Affairs Officer for its Legal Office in Jordan. The post reports to the Head of the Field Legal Office, Jordan, and is open only to internal UNRWA candidates who reside in Jordan and hold a valid work permit. The appointment is a fixed-term contract of 1 year, including a 1-year probation period, at Grade 15.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare legal opinions and official correspondence on administrative matters, human resources, the privileges and immunities of the Agency and its staff, and other matters related to UNRWA operations in Jordan.
• Provide legal advice and support on staff misconduct, disciplinary processes and administration of justice issues.
• Draft official correspondence to executives, judges, contractors and partners of the Agency.
• Draft, review and advise on field contracts, memoranda of understanding, lease agreements, legal submissions and other legal documents.
• Carry out legal research, analysis and advice on Jordanian and international law and practice.
• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required profile

• University degree in Law, preferably with a specialization in public international law, administrative/employment or commercial law, and admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction.
• At least five years of relevant experience as a lawyer in the UN, another international organization, government, private sector or NGO, including contract/commercial law or administrative/employment law.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic (UN Level III).
• Currently residing in Jordan.

Required skills

• Knowledge of local laws, instructions and regulations.
• Understanding of the theories and approaches relevant to administrative investigations.
• Desirable: experience in international law, with the UN, and familiarity with the UN Common system.

What we offer

• Monthly basic salary of 997.300 Jordanian dinars, possibly on a reduced work schedule.
• Provident Fund contribution of 15.4% of basic salary, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave and dependency allowance.
• Additional benefits: 2 days of sick leave per month of service, 14 weeks maternity leave and 2 weeks paternity leave.