Programme Management Officer, Legal (Temporary for 6 Months)

Org. Setting and Reporting

To ensure a United Nations that is fit-for-purpose to deliver on the ambition of the SDGs, the General Assembly adopted the most far-reaching development reforms in the history of the organization in May 2018. At the core of resolution 72/279 was the establishment of a reinvigorated, independent, impartial, and empowered Resident Coordinator (RC) system to support a new generation of UN country teams (UNCTs). A critical investment in RC system capacities is the strengthening of the Development Coordination Office (DCO), including, for the first time, at the regional level. The DCO Regional teams play a pivotal role in supporting the work of RCs, RC Offices (RCOs), and UNCTs and facilitating coordination of the UN's regional assets to deliver efficient and effective operational activities at the country level and in cross-border settings. The DCO Regional teams are part of DCO headquarters capacities, located in the same region as the countries within their remit. The Regional Director reports to the Assistant Secretary- General (ASG) and Director, DCO, as First Reporting Officer, and to the Chair of the Regional UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) as Second Reporting Officer. This post is in the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), New York. The Programme Management Officer reports directly to the Chief of Staff. The incumbent coordinates management of the Legal issues at UNDCO, Regional Offices as well as Resident Coordinator Offices; liaises as appropriate with other components of the organization to ensure an efficient and cohesive approach to managing legal issues.

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Evaluates legal queries, in relation to programme and operational matters, and develops context specific solutions from a legal/business perspective; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions;
• Supports Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) and UNDCO Regional Offices in the development and discussions on Host Country Agreements (HCAs) locally, and working closely with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and other internal/external stakeholders;
• Lead interoffice meetings pertaining to discussions on legal matters in collaboration with OLA on HCAs, Privileges and Immunities, and legal instruments for the Resident Coordinator System. Advises and provides feedback on all RC System legal matters, in consultation with OLA, relevant RC System Offices and DCO’s Client Desk Staff in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) One Executive Office;
• Supports and advises on the formation and finalization of various MoUs and legal instruments, including those on RCO lease agreements, contribution agreements, operation...