Legal Officer

**Grade**: NO-C

**Contractual Arrangement**: Fixed-term appointment

**Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days)**: One year, first year probationary period. Post of limited duration.

**Job Posting**: Nov 21, 2024, 11:50:37 AM

**Closing Date**: Dec 12, 2024, 4:59:00 PM

**Primary Location**: Brazil-Brasilia

**Organization**: Office of the Legal Counsel

**Schedule**: Full-time


**OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT**

**This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)**

**DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES**

Under the general supervision of the Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Counsel (LEG) and the direct supervision of the Legal Officer, Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG), the incumbent is responsible for providing a wide range of expert legal services, support, counseling and advice with respect to the interpretation of existing jurisprudence, regulations and procedures in Brazil; the analysis, negotiation, and drafting of technical cooperation contracts and agreements; the preparation of briefs; and interpretation of legal instruments. The incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:
a) Review and draft agreements ensuring that all documents conform to the Organization's regulations, rules and procedures and comply with the Organization’s internal clearance process;
b) Review and draft legal memoranda and other legal documents including contracts, ensuring that the same conform to the Organization's rules, policies and procedures;
c) Review the legal aspects of project proposals, draft agreements, correspondence, and other texts and provide appropriate comments ensuring compliance with the Project and Agreement Review processes;
d) Assist in providing legal support to administrative units in the Country Office, and other Organizational entities in legal administrative matters as requested;
e) Research and/or examine precedents on specific issues relating to the functions, structure, and activities of the Organization;
f) Prepare draft legal opinions on the interpretation of legal instruments such as constitutions, statutes, treaties, agreements, rules and regulations, resolutions, legislation or other legal materials relevant to the work of the Organization;
g) Assist in the development of revised/new rules, policies, procedures, and model agreements and contracts of the Organization;
h) Assist in the preparation of briefs to represent the Organization in proceedings before judicial or quasi-judicial bodies;
i) Assist in providing and/or coordinating legal services to various internal committees and to the different Departments and Units, as required; prepare background materials, reports and papers, and assist in the formulation of advice to members of such committees and to the administrative and technical units;
j) Assist in the development of procedures for the preparation and processing of agreements and contracts;
k) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education**:
**Essential**: A university degree in law from a recognized university; admission to practice in one of the States of Brazil (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil - OAB).

**Desirable**:Advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in law with studies in comparative and/or international law from a recognized university.

**Experience**:
**Essential**: Seven years of legal experience with emphasis in public international law, contracts, administrative law, technical cooperation agreements or comparative law.

**Desirable**: International legal experience in the areas above.

**SKILLS**:
**PAHO Competencies**:
**Overall attitude at work**:Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

**Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others**/**Deal effectively with conflict - **Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team. Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.

**Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity**:

- Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgroun