Legal Specialist (Development Law)

Overview

A specialized agency of the United Nations is seeking legal specialists and experts to support various projects related to food and agriculture legislation. The role involves contributing to legal research, drafting, capacity development, and supporting national and international initiatives aimed at improving agrifood systems.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of development law projects, including collaboration with national and international consultants.
• Travel to countries as required to liaise with national counterparts and stakeholders.
• Participate in legal drafting processes for national and regional legislation.
• Assist in drafting legal opinions, analyses, and international instruments.
• Conduct research and develop legal solutions related to food and agriculture law.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of training, outreach activities, and materials.
• Organize trainings, meetings, webinars, and conferences.
• Support communication and outreach efforts related to the legal office's work.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Law or a relevant discipline recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. A Bachelor’s degree in Law and a PhD in Law are considered assets.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant practical experience, including research.
• Working knowledge of English at Level C. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in legal drafting and implementing national projects.
• Familiarity with the work of international organizations, regional entities, and national governments.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: food and agriculture legislation, veterinary and phytosanitary legislation, food law, food loss and waste, soil, water, pastoralism, pollution and environmental law, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, legislation on contracts and financial mechanisms in the agriculture sector.
• Project management and strategic planning skills, including budgets and financial reporting.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a non-staff consultant or Personal Services Agreement (PSA) position.
• Duration of assignments may range from a few days up to 11 months.
• Positions may be home-based or require travel.

Location

• Home-based with possible travel requirements.

Additional Information

• The organization is committed to workforce diversity and encourages qualified female applicants, nationals of under-represented countries, and persons with disabilities to apply.
• All candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.
• A zero-tolerance policy is in place for conduct incompatible with the organization's mandate, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
• Applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Application Deadline

• Applications close on 17 August 2026 at 12:59 AM (local time).