occupied Palestinian territory: Consultancy - Associate Legal Consultant Gaza

TERMS OF REFERENCE

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff.

Consultancy - Associate LegalConsultant

Gaza

Background

The Field Legal Office, Gaza (FLO/G) maintains a high case load due not only to the size and complexity of the Agency’s operations but also due to the unique political situation in the Gaza Strip and the often urgent or emergency nature of the legal issues to be addressed in this context.

The ISP Consultant will be part of a team that provides legal advice and assistance to the Director of UNRWA Operations, Gaza and other Agency officials and staff members in the Gaza Field Office, and coordinates with HQ in providing legal advice on matters related to UNRWA’s operations in the Gaza Strip.

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Field Legal Office, the Consultant will be part of a team that provides legal advice to the Director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza on the following matters:

· Assisting in providing legal advice and drafting correspondence and other legal documents relating to allegations of staff misconduct, in accordance with UNRWA's rules and regulations;

· Assisting in advising on the interpretation and application of relevant public international law, including international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law as well as United Nations privileges and immunities;

· Assisting in drafting and advising on contracts and lease agreements in support of UNRWA’s operations in the Gaza Strip, and assist in advising on resolution of contractual and tortious claims;

· Drafting legal correspondence, as well as legal opinions and research, on a wide variety of legal matters of a politically sensitive nature;

· Assisting in advising on the administrative law of the United Nations, including staff appeals and grievances;

· Such other duties as may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in law;
• At least 2 years of professional legal experience in a Government, international organization or private sector;

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to negotiate effectively;
• Ability to effectively compile and synthesize information;
• Proven ability in the analysis of facts/information, the development of rigorous arguments and replies and the provision of sound advice;
• Excellent English drafting skills;
• Ability to progress with work independently and to participate as a member of a team;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of internal and external contacts;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• The duration of the consultancy is minimum for 11 months;
• The Consultant will supervise UNRWA staff members as allocated;
• Remuneration of USD $5000 per month, inclusive package.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy criteria via consultancy@unrwa.org, indicating the title of this consultancy “**Associate Legal** Consultant– Gaza” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 10 December 2017. Late applications will not be considered.**

This recruitment is contingent on the Field Legal Office, Gaza securing adequate funding for the Consultancy. UNRWA reserves the right to withdraw this Vacancy Announcement if such funding is not secured.UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy criteria via consultancy@unrwa.org, indicating the title of this consultancy “**Associate Legal** Consultant– Gaza” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 10 December 2017. Late applications will not be considered.**

This recruitment is contingent on the Field Legal Office, Gaza securing adequate funding for the Consultancy. UNRWA reserves the right to withdraw this Vacancy Announcement if such funding is not secured.

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.