Job Description
Organizational Setting
The Office of the Legal Counsel ensures that the Organization’s activities are carried out in accordance with its Constitution and the other Basic Texts of the Organization, in a manner consistent with its status as an inter-governmental organization of the United Nations system, and that its relationships with governments, organizations and individuals are on a sound legal basis.
The position, based in Santiago, Chile, is located in the Development Law Branch, LEGN whichprovides legal advisory services to governments on land, water, fisheries, plants, animals, food, forestry, wildlife and national parks and environment and biodiversity, as well as general agricultural issues (institutions, trade, economic reform).
Reporting Lines
The Legal Officer reports to Senior Legal Officer, Head of LEGN, and is under the direct guidance of an officer of LEGN.
Technical Focus
Development law including legal activities, research and related issues pertaining to the Organization’s activities and mandate in relation to food and agriculture and management of renewable natural resources, with particular reference to the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security and the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Land Tenure, forestry and fisheries.
Key Results
The provision of legal advice on questions pertaining to the Organization’s mandate
Key Functions
- Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepares studies in international, public, private, administrative and/or development law, comparative studies, briefs, reports and correspondence;
- Undertakes extensive review of legal documents, instruments, or other material;
- Prepares or assists in the preparation of background papers, studies, reports, legislative texts and commentaries on those texts;
- Prepares or assists in the preparation of legal opinions/advice on a wide range of public international law, development law issues, involving, inter alia, issues relating to privileges and immunities, rule of law, international tribunals, institutional questions, treaty law and practice, procedural issues arising during meetings of FAO Governing Bodies;
- Participates, as required, in working groups, meetings, seminars and conferences.
Specific Functions
- Assists in advising Member Governments of Latin American and Caribbean Countries in development law, in particular on the legal and institutional aspects of food and nutrition security and the management of agriculture and other renewable natural resources, including in supporting the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security and the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Land Tenure, forestry and fisheries;
- Contributes to the preparation and implementation of field projects in the above-mentioned areas of work in Latin American and Caribbean Countries;
- Conducts advisory missions in connection with field projects in the above-mentioned areas of work, in particular in Latin American and Caribbean Countries;
- Contributes to the provision of legal advice and relevant background information to FAO technical divisions on the above-mentioned fields of development law;
- Responds to requests for information on national and international law related to the above-mentioned areas of work, and relevant to the Latin American and Caribbean Region;
- Contributes to the implementation of FAO’s gender policy including through the above-mentioned areas of work.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced University degree in Law
- Five years of relevant legal experience in the field of food and agriculture, natural resources or development law
- Working knowledge of English and Spanish
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
- Extent and relevance of experience in legal aspects of food and agriculture, in particular in relation to food and nutrition security, land tenure, forestry and fisheries
- Ability to carry out legal research and analysis
- Ability to write clear and concise reports and experience in drafting legal texts (legislative and regulatory instruments)
- Extent and relevance of experience in implementing technical assistance projects related to national legislation
About the Organization
An intergovernmental organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts - to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.
- Apply by 11 December 2014