Associate Legal Officer, Field Legal Office

The Jordan Field Office, UNRWA provides technical and operational direction, supervision and monitoring to the delivery of the Agency’s programmes of education, health, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement at field level; develops and implements the field’s strategic and operational plans and budget, responds to emerging needs, working to directly influence the protection and care of Palestine refugees. The Field Legal Office provides legal assistance to the Jordan Field Office management and staff in order to facilitate its operations.

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Field Legal Office, the UN Volunteer will be assigned various responsibilities depending on the key needs for support to the Agency’s operations. The UN Volunteer will assist the Field Legal Office in providing legal and technical advice to the Jordan Field Office. The UN Volunteer will assist the Head, Field Legal Office in ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the Agency’s regulatory framework and in providing legally sound, timely, easily applied, politically sensitive and consistent advice on matters related to UNRWA’s operations in the Jordan Field. Specifically, the UN Volunteer may be assigned to any of the following duties:
• Conduct legal research and analysis on the interpretation and application of public international law, including United Nations law, international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law and practices, particularly in relation to the protection of Palestine refugees and the provision of humanitarian assistance to them.
• Assist with the drafting, review and negotiation of all types of field-related contractual modalities, including contracts for procurement of goods and/or services, the construction and maintenance of buildings, use of land, lease agreements, memoranda of understanding, related to Field operations and in support of the Agency’s delivery of services to the Palestine refugees.
• Assist with advising on the status and mandate of the Agency, privileges and immunities and related responsibilities of the Agency and its personnel.
• Support the Agency’s operations by providing legal advice, training, outreach and assistance on matters relating to administrative and employment law, including on matters related to investigation and disciplinary processes.
• Advise on resolution of contractual and tortious claims against the Agency and its staff members in their official capacity, including assisting in overseeing, supporting and conducting negotiations and settlements.
• Participate in the development and delivery of training programmes to UNRWA employees working in the areas of operations on topics relevant to the legal framework of UNRWA.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.