Result of Service
The incumbent is expected to support the UNRWA Gaza Field Legal Office team and deliver against a range of key deliverables, including: Conclude various general law matters:
memoranda of understanding with partners, donation agreements and other legal documents related to Field’s operations;
various disciplinary matters, including associated drafting on misconduct issues; Implement other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor in accordance with the incumbent’s duties and responsibilities outlined above. The assignment also requires working independently towards defined results.
Work Location
The Consultant is expected to work remotely and will be expected to be available for regular consultations or meetings during UNRWA Gaza Field Office working hours.
Expected duration
Start date as soon as possible and End date 28/02/2027 with possible short-term extensions, subject to confirmed funding.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent: 3.1 Upholds and ensures the consistent interpretation and application of the Agency’s regulatory framework, in particular UNRWA Area and International Staff Regulations, Rules and associated administrative issuances, financial regulations and organizational directives
and of public international law, including the constitutive, legislative and other instruments governing UNRWA activities and operations. 3.2 Drafts, reviews and assists in the negotiation of all types of field-related contractual modalities, including contracts for the procurement of goods and services, memoranda of understanding with partners, donation agreements, and other legal documents related to the Field's operations, including data protection agreements. 3.3 Advises on the resolution of contractual and tortious claims against the Agency and its staff members in their official capacity, including supporting and providing analysis and advice in negotiations, settlements and arbitration. 3.4 Provides legal advice, training, outreach and assistance on matters relating to administrative and employment law, in particular advises on investigations, disciplinary matters and associated drafting on standards of conduct and misconduct issues. 3.5 Provides advice that is legally accurate, timely, easy to implement, politically sensitive, and consistent, involving, inter alia, issues relating to administrative, contract and commercial law, and misconduct. 3.6 Advises on the status, mandate, privileges and immunities and related responsibilities of the Agency and its personnel, in particular as related to standards of conduct of personnel. 3.7 Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in law with some specialization in public international law, contract or commercial law. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying international law experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
At least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience as a lawyer in the United Nations, other international organization, in government service, the commercial/private sector or NGO is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Additional Information
Competencies UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. In addition to the below functional competencies: 1. Planning and Organizing 2. Analyzing 3. Relating and Networking 4. Adapting and Responding to Change 5. Persuading and Influencing Desirable Qualifications: 1. Familiarity with the UN system and practices. 2. Working knowledge of Arabic. 3. Prior professional work experience in the occupied Palestinian territory.