Legal Officer

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: HQ/14/DGD/TA30 Title: Legal Officer Grade: P3 Contract type: Temporary appointment Duration of contract:  6 months	Date: 2 April 2014 Application Deadline: 23 April 2014 (17 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland   Organization unit: HQ/DGD Offices under the Director-General (HQ/DGD) / HQ/LEG Office of the Legal Counsel (HQ/LEG) HQ/CCM Commercial and Contractual Matters (HQ/CCM)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : To provide legal input, during the planning and implementation of the Organization's activities, so as to facilitate effective cooperation between those taking part -Member States, international bodies, international officials, collaborating institutions and individuals and commercial entities; to ensure that the activities are carried out on a firm legal basis; to protect the organization's legal interests and defend it from legal action. The incumbent will be a member of the Commercial and Contractual Matters (CCM) team, within the Office of the Legal Counsel.
Description of duties: 1. In collaboration with the LEG/CCM Principal Legal Officer and legal officers, review and advise on all types of contracts, including donor agreements, confidentiality agreements, Research and Development agreements, technical collaboration agreements, licensing agreements and agreements for procurement by the Organization. 2. Review and advise on intellectual property rights issues, procurement issues (including review of submissions of the WHO Contract Review Committee), conflicts of interest, and issues arising from WHO evaluation schemes. 3. Through the provision of legal advice in the areas of responsibilities assigned generally contribute to the protection of the Organization's interests. 4. Perform other tasks as may be assigned in accordance with the exigencies of the work of the Office.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: University degree in law or equivalent from a recognized university. For WHO staff, please see e-manual III.4.1, para 220 Desirable: Advanced/ post-graduate university level in law.
Skills:  Sound knowledge of private law, as well as knowledge of international law. Excellent organizational skills. Skill in analysing and organizing facts and in presenting clear, logical and legally sound opinions. Excellent contractual drafting skills in English and French. Good computer skills and ability to work with minimal clerical assistance. Experience in working in multi-cultural settings. WHO competencies: 1. Producing results 2. Communicating in a credible and effective way 3. Moving forward in a changing environment 4. Knowing and managing yourself 5. Fostering integration and teamwork.
Experience: Essential: At least five years' experience practising commercial law, preferably within the legal department of a company or within a law firm, preferably in areas related to the work of WHO, and preferably in Switzerland. Experience in practising law in an international context.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and French is required.
Additional Information: Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice. A written test may form part of the screening process. This Vacancy Notice is published in English only.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 56198 at single rate USD 60205 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 103.3 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.