Legal Officer

Job Identification (Reference Number)**:13383**
Position Title**:Legal Officer (P)**
Duty Station City**:Panama City**
Duty Station Country**:Panama**
Grade**:P-2**
Contract Type**:Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)**
Recruiting Type**:Professional**
Vacancy Type**:Vacancy Notice**
Initial duration**:12 Months**
Closing date**:23 April 2025**

**Introduction**

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

**Context**

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, the Regional Offices, Country Offices, and other Departments and Offices of the Organization. The Office provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the legal framework governing IOM, including the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM instructions and international law.

The Office of Legal Affairs is comprised of three divisions: the Contract Law Division, the General and Administrative Law Division and the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division; it also operates through three regional legal hubs, located in Bangkok, Nairobi and Panama.

The Legal Officer will work under the overall supervision of the Legal Counsel and the Division Head of the Contract Law Division and the direct supervision of the Legal Officer, Unit Head.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Prepare draft contracts for IOM’s operations and activities, including funding, procurement and project implementation agreements. Assist with contract negotiations where required.

2. Assist in preparing legal advice for colleagues worldwide, in order to protect IOM’s legal interests.

3. Conduct legal research including on contract law in order to inform the conduct of IOM’s operations and activities.

4. Review and assist with the development of internal guidance and policies on legal issues arising in the work of the Unit.

5. Provide support capacity on the legal side, as needed, including through review of documents and duty travel, if required.

6. Assist with the analysis of privileges and immunities issues in contracts where funding and operations are underway or may be contemplated.

7. Assist in preparing legal advice to colleagues worldwide, including on issues arising in connection with funding, partnerships, supply chain, finance, termination of contract and dispute resolution.

8. Support the Legal Officer, Unit Head, during any periods of leave, absence, or any periods of unavailability.

9. Identify potential legal risks in operations and promptly inform the Legal Officer, Unit Head, to ensure early engagement and advice from the Office of Legal Affairs.

10. Conduct thorough analyses of Division archive in order to assist with knowledge management and organization of internal systems, and propose changes aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

11. Performing such other duties as may be assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications and Experience**
**Education**
- Master’s degree in Law from an accredited academic institution with two years of recent, relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in Law with four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

**Experience**
- Recent experience practicing contract law in a law firm, or the Legal Department (or equivalent) of a United Nations entity or other in-house legal role with recent practicing experience, advising on contract law;
- The following experience would be an advantage: Advisory work on public and private sector financing, supply chain and procurement matters, intellectual property, project management, dispute resolution;
- Experience in analyzing legal instruments, undertaking legal research and drafting legal documents and contracts; and,
- Experience in advising on the privileges and immunities