DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS, D2

The Office of Legal Affairs is the central legal service of the Organization and provides legal advice to the Secretary-General, Secretariat departments and offices and United Nations organs in the field of public and private law; represents the Secretary-General in legal conferences and in judicial proceedings; performs substantive and secretariat functions for legal organs involved in public international law, the law of the sea and ocean affairs and international trade law; and performs the functions conferred on the Secretary-General in Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations. This position is located in the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of The Sea, Office of Legal Affairs. The Director will report to the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and within delegated authorities, the Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea is responsible for the performance of functions entrusted to the United Nations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Convention), as well as other activities relating to the implementation of the Convention and related instruments, carried out within the UN programme on ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The Director: •Organizes and supervises the substantive support provided to the UN General Assembly, the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention, the Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf, Informal Open-Ended Consultative Process on the Law of the Sea, Informal Consultations of the States Parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, and other bodies, including research on various issues of the law of the sea, preparation of relevant reports of the Secretary-General, background materials and other documentation, as well as legal advice and assistance in the conduct of their meetings. •Leads the work of the Division as interim secretariat under the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). •Assists and cooperates/co-ordinates with international organizations, programmes and other stakeholders. •Monitors, reviews and analyzes developments in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea and preparation of legal publications. •Supports the Under-Secretary-General in her capacity as focal point of UN Oceans. •Performs functions relating to deposition of charts and co-ordinates of maritime spaces by coastal States under the Convention. •Plans, organizes and supervises the capacity-building programme on the law of the sea, including training courses, preparation of training manuals and cooperation with various institutions involved in the programme. •Communicates with Permanent Missions, Government entities and international organizations on matters relating to the work of the Division. •Manages the Division, including the supervision of the preparation of the budget and reporting on programme performance. •Contributes to the formulation of the Division's overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, in an advisory capacity to the USG/ASG; contributes to the overall management of the strategies, activities and operations of the Office of Legal Affairs. •Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management. •Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Division, prioritizes and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. •Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and Office, and with other parts of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate. •Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. •Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in annual reports. •Ensures that all outputs produced by the Division under his/her supervision meet high-quality standards, are clear, objective, and based on comprehensive data, and comply with relevant mandates before completion. •Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division. •Oversees the recruitment of staff for Division taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values and behaviours. •Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision, fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries. •Chairs meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conference; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. •Performs other related duties as requested by the Under-Secretary-General.

PROFESSIONALISM: Has a thorough understanding of the United Nations system; Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of public international law with emphasis on the law of the sea, as well as practical application of the Convention to a range of legal issues in the area of ocean affairs and the law of the sea. In-depth knowledge of the processes related to the implementation of the Convention. Outstanding analytical and drafting skills. Proven ability to design research projects, conduct and supervise such research on a variety of complex and intricate law of the sea issues with special emphasis on areas relevant to ongoing international processes relating to implementation of the Convention. Demonstrated ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of legal briefs and studies on multi-dimensional, complex and sensitive issues of the law of the sea. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply United Nations 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 situations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING& 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. LEADERSHIP: Provides clear and consistent managerial 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. JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, with a specialization in public international law is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in public international law may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Not available.

Over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of public international law, of which at least 5 years are in supervisory positions, is required. At least 5 years of experience in the law of sea and ocean affairs related matters at the international level is required. At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership position, including in a multicultural environment is required. Experience in providing secretariat services to, or participating as a delegate in, meetings of intergovernmental bodies or conferences is desirable. Experience using data and digital technologies to improve strategic decisions, efficiency, and service delivery is desirable. Experience designing and applying innovative approaches to address complex organizational challenges is desirable. Experience applying behavioural science insights to strengthen programme design, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement is desirable. Experience using strategic foresight methods, including scenario planning and trend analysis, to anticipate future challenges and inform long-term strategies is desirable.

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

At the 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 United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The 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. Staff members appointed to the current position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 May 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must meet the applicable geographical or lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy, taking into account that selection to the post may itself constitute a qualifying move, in accordance with the relevant administrative issuances. Staff members are encouraged to ensure that all qualifying geographical or lateral moves are accurately reflected in their applicant profile. Please refer to ST/AI/2025/2 on the Staff selection system for more details. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.