Legal Officer

Pan American Health Organization • Washington, DC

11d

About The Position

Legal Officer Join us and help safeguard PAHO’s legal integrity and mission The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking a highly qualified, analytical, and service-oriented Legal Officer to provide expert legal advice and support across the Organization’s programs, operations, and governance frameworks. The incumbent will be a member of the Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG) and will work under the direct supervision of a Senior Legal Advisor, contributing to the consistent application of legal standards and the protection of the Organization’s legal interests. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Advisor, Office of the Legal Counsel (LEG), the selected candidate will: Review and draft agreements, contracts, legal memoranda, and other legal instruments to ensure compliance with PAHO rules, policies, and procedures. Provide legal advice and support to PAHO administrative and technical units, including legal aspects of projects, agreements, and institutional processes. Conduct legal research and analysis on matters related to international, administrative, and comparative law relevant to the Organization’s mandate. Assist in the development and revision of organizational rules, policies, procedures, and model agreements. Support the representation and defense of the Organization before internal appeal bodies and international or national judicial and quasi-judicial fora. Participate in internal and external meetings, negotiations, and committees, providing legal input and background materials as required. For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.

Requirements

• A university degree in law with studies in comparative and/or international law from a recognized university; admission to practice in a PAHO Member Country.
• Seven years of combined national and international legal experience with emphasis in public international law, contracts, administrative law, technical cooperation agreements and comparative law.
• Very good knowledge of English and Spanish.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Expertise in the application of international and national law within an international organizational context.
• Strong analytical and legal research skills, including the interpretation of legal instruments and precedents.
• Ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documents and agreements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for high-level legal advice and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical, administrative, and external counterparts.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Review and draft agreements, contracts, legal memoranda, and other legal instruments to ensure compliance with PAHO rules, policies, and procedures.
• Provide legal advice and support to PAHO administrative and technical units, including legal aspects of projects, agreements, and institutional processes.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on matters related to international, administrative, and comparative law relevant to the Organization’s mandate.
• Assist in the development and revision of organizational rules, policies, procedures, and model agreements.
• Support the representation and defense of the Organization before internal appeal bodies and international or national judicial and quasi-judicial fora.
• Participate in internal and external meetings, negotiations, and committees, providing legal input and background materials as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree