Legal Assistant
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization to promote international co-operation. A replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, the organization was established on 24 October 1945
The incumbent will provide a wide range of general office support, service meetings, and perform other administrative support. Duties will include:
Responsibilities
- Independently handle a variety of relatively complex verbal and written inquiries from internal or external parties, including providing detailed information on processes and procedures related to a range of legal activities, instruments, issues, etc.;
- Draft responses to routine correspondence, notes, and any other routine communications, as required;
- Edit and conduct final checks for accuracy of a variety of specialized documentation, legal publications, and related correspondence;
- Create, as necessary, and maintain files and databases, including by managing individual case files, maintaining and updating detailed 'docket sheets' and ensuring that all related correspondence and other documentation are appropriately filed, registered and followed-up;
- Provides technical assistance for meetings arrangements and servicing, including scheduling appointments/meetings/court sessions;
- Handle or refer to the Registrar and/or Legal Officer(s), as appropriate, a variety of verbal and written inquiries from internal and external parties, including providing information on processes and procedures related to the work of the Registry;
- Conduct basic research on assigned issues, using existing files and alternative sources (e.g., computer-assisted searches using the internet, intranet or other databases);
- Maintain internal databases on cases for tracking and trend analysis; generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases;
- Review, record, distribute and/or process all mail and other documents (e.g., orders and judgments);
- Follow up on impending actions and deadlines;
- Assist in the maintenance of a body of reference files, both paper and electronic, to ensure rapid retrieval of critical information; conduct reference searches upon request; review material and determine appropriate file classification category; identify material for inclusion in files; assist, when needed, in the archiving of documents, storage and retrieval of files;
- Generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases;
- Perform, when needed, a variety of administrative duties including processing travel requests and related documents, preparation of travel claims, request for office supplies and equipment, etc.;
- Provide guidance and training to less experienced staff;
- Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making;
- Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of organizational legal framework, relevant legal processes, procedures and terminology for review, examination, preparation and processing of legal documents. Ability to conduct research using diverse legal research sources (including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other data bases). Ability to review and synthesizes information and present findings and recommendations in a required format. Knowledge of information management, classification and retrieval systems. Ability to show tact and discretion in dealing with high-ranking officials and with confidential matters and materials. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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 situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
- TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
- PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; 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.
Education
- Completion of secondary school/High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Supplemental training in paralegal, administration or related area is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of Seven (7) years of progressive experience in paralegal work, conference servicing, general office support or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a first level University degree.
- Experience as a law clerk/court assistant in an international or similar organizations, judicial administration or a large law firm is desirable.
- Work experience of one (1) year or more in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
