Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based in the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Secretary General and the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel/Director, Office of Legal Affairs and within delegated authority, the Senior Legal Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Substantive Legal Advice: 1. Work in the area of international law, and independently handle a wide range of highly complex, and often sensitive legal matters involving issues relating to international, public, contract law and administrative law (which includes but is not limited to procurement; staffing; litigation; rules of procedure of various ISA bodies etc), to include interpretation and application of relevant instruments in that area. 2. Draft rules, regulations and procedures for implementation of Part XI of the Convention and the 1994 Agreement. 3. Provide authoritative legal advice on diverse range of highly complex or novel substantive and procedural questions of law, in particular, legal advice, assistance and support to the Authority and governing bodies, in connection with the interpretation and implementation of their mandates and operational arrangements in furtherance of such mandates; operational arrangements for the establishment of programmes of cooperation for development and technical assistance; and other issues concerning intellectual property rights and confidentiality procedures related to Article 168 of the Convention. 4. Make recommendations to senior officials of substantive units on actions to be taken. 5. Provide secondary oversight of contracts issued by the Authority for activities in the Area. Management and Supervisory: 6. Coordinate and direct teams of legal officers, guides and supervises the work of junior legal officers; assists the Legal Counsel in general management and administration of the department, including recruitment of staff, organizes and prioritizes the workload and provides general coordination and supervision of assignments relating to the legal and contractual work of the Authority. 7. Organize and supervise research studies and the preparation of legal opinions, as well as perform extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares legal opinions, briefs, reports, and correspondence. Administration: 8. Provide legal advice and supervises the review, negotiation and drafting of agreements, contracts, and other legal instruments, including trust fund, contribution and pro bono and cooperation agreements, advice on legal and operational issues arising in connection with the contractors, and advice on matters relating to the status and mandate of the Authority, its governing and subsidiary bodies; and institutional and operational modalities for activities of ISA and other subsidiary organs. 9. Supervise the defense of claims, and disputes and negotiates settlement of claims, including intellectual property rights infringement claims, breach of confidentiality procedures and prepares legal documentation relating to such settlements. 10. Provide legal advice, as appropriate, to senior officials and governing bodies on the interpretation of regulations and rules of the Authority. 11. Serve on standing boards, committees, governing bodies, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the Authority and represent the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc 12. Contribute to review and drafting of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, systems, rules of procedure including the Staff and Financial Regulations and Rules of ISA or associated bodies. 13. Represent the Secretary-General of the Authority before the Joint Appeals Board and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal. 14. Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to be a strong advocate for science-based policy and knowledge of the implications of legal, economic and policy decisions on the scientific and technical aspects and vice-versa. Demonstrated ability to work at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines and connect across seemingly disparate fields, as well as a good capacity for synthesis. Strong programme management skills with the capability to advise the Secretary-General and other senior officials on approaches and techniques to address highly complex issues relating to activities in the Area. Excellent policy analysis skills and the ability to produce reports and papers on scientific and technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Knowledge and ability to apply ISA rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situation; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, vision, and programmes. Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

An advanced university degree in law (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the Law of the Sea, International Law or law of International Organizations isrequired. A first-level university degree within combination two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Admission to the bar of a member State of the Authority, or otherwise qualified to practice law is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional legal experience in the practice of law, in the legal office of an international organization is required. Substantial experience in international law, law of the sea, international organizations law, international administrative law (including UN staff regulations and rules) is required. Proven track record in handling major legal projects and advising senior officials independently is required. Demonstrated experience in supervising and guiding the work of more junior legal officers and in advising senior officials independently and at short notice is required. Solid experience in presenting and representing the work of an organization both in writing and orally is required. Demonstrated experience in strategic legal strategy formulation in an international organization is desirable. At least five (5) years responsible field legal experience outside the applicant’s country of nationality in a transitional, developmental, conflict or post conflict setting is desirable. Experience in liaising with Member States, Corporate, UN agencies, UNAT, is desirable. Experience working with the status and the privileges and immunities of International Organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to ISA and INSPIRA roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by the ISA Appointment and Promotions Board (ISA APB) or United Nations Central Review Body (UNCRB). Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested, meet the requirements specified in the JO and available to take up the position at the duty station. The appointment is available for a fixed period of 2 years and renewal thereof is subject to the availability of the post, funds and satisfactory performance in the role. ISA reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised. At the ISA/ United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The ISA/United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The ISA/United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The ISA/United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.