Policy Drafting Advisor

Legal Group

The purpose of the Legal Group is to lead the organization’s legal strategy and practice.  The core functions of the Legal Group are to:

a.      Articulate legal policies and processes; enable operationalization and managerial oversight through appropriate systems and reports; provide corporate advice and guidance; and strengthen the knowledge, skills and career development of legal practitioners.

b.      Enable UNOPS legal and contracting activities to execute the organization’s business strategy.

UNOPS policies and related documents form the foundation for informing UNOPS personnel on how to work cohesively to deliver for our partners and beneficiaries.

UNOPS is adopting a new legislative framework and streamlining the content of all UNOPS policies.  This project will enhance the legislative framework, address the evolving needs of UNOPS’ team of thousands, and incorporate industry changes and current best practices to ensure comprehensive and effective guidance for all UNOPS personnel. 

UNOPS is also embarking on a Process Innovation and Digitalisation journey to enhance UNOPS’ operational efficiency, overhauling processes and leveraging digital technologies and solutions across all functional areas.


*** This position is being established for 2 years, with possibility of extension.

*** Duty station can be New York or Copenhagen or Home-based.

Under the supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor, and working together with designated technical experts, the Policies Drafting Advisor will carry out the following activities:

• Establish a working version of the criteria outlined above, to use as a benchmark against which policies and related documents will be reviewed.

• Conduct a comprehensive review of UNOPS current policies and related documents to establish whether they meet that benchmark. The review should take into account changing organization goals and culture, emerging risks, and the policies and practices of other United Nations entities.

• When policies do not meet the benchmark, propose appropriate changes, in consultation with UNOPS Practices and other Units. Changes could include a complete revision of a policy, the removal of specific provisions, their inclusion in other documents, or any other appropriate change. 

• UNOPS Practices and other Units are currently engaged in a review of policies (and processes, guidance, and other documents) pertaining to their specific areas; the Policy Drafting Specialist will be providing support to that review, preparing policy drafts, and ensuring that all policies meet the established benchmark.

• Prepare an alphabetical subject index, to enable UNOPS personnel to find the relevant policies by using commonly-used terms. Work with the Process Innovation and Digitalization Programme (PID) and the IT Group on digital solutions making policies more accessible.

• Carry out other related tasks as may be assigned by the Senior Legal Advisor from time to time.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in public administration, law and/or communications, or other related discipline is required.

• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree.

Experience 

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, law and/or communications or a relevant field is required.

• Demonstrated experience in drafting policies, legislation or related documents is required.

 Language  

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. 

• Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: IICA-3
Contract duration: This position is being established for 2 years, with possibility of extension.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.