Legal Specialist

Application period 14-Feb-2024 to 04-Mar-2024

Functional Responsibilities:

The Legal Specialist will be part of the UNOPS legal team and will provide advice and support to UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) to implement VCEP, working closely with the multi-disciplinary team in the Country Office. Responsibilities related to VCEP include advising on contracts, payment and acknowledgment certificates, confirmation and advance account letters, facilitating negotiations with suppliers, contractors, consultants, employers, and coordinating with the local legal firm and other stakeholders.

The inputs provided by the Legal Specialist during the course of their work are exclusively to UNOPS and should not be construed as providing a legal opinion, legal recommendation or legal advice to ADB. As required, travel to Afghanistan is expected.

Under the supervision and guidance of the LG regional Team Lead and the Senior project manager, responsibilities of the incumbent include:

Support to implementation

• In coordination with the project team contribute to the design of the project implementation plan and advise on risks, issues and mitigation measures;
• In consultation with the project team, conduct contractual reviews and advise the project team on the interpretation of terms and conditions of contracts and agreements with suppliers, contractors, consultants, employers and other partners with focus on the verification of entitlements for works done;
• Provide advice to the project team for the discussions with suppliers, contractors, consultants during the verification process.
• Assist in drafting payment and acknowledgment certificates, confirmation and advance account letters of the verified works and services, and facilitate the signing of the certificates, letters and other documents relating to verification as needed, including itemization of any applicable taxes and/or duties. Collaborate with colleagues to develop workable solutions to implementation challenges in line with UNOPS’ rules and regulations;
• Contribute to internal and external project reporting and communication plan;
• Interact with local law firm(s); on matters relating to local legislation, including applicable taxes and/or duties
• Provide quality input and advice on potential project amendments;
• Research specific legal issues on major databases.
• Assist the project in relevant internal and external meetings.
  
  

Business Efficiency

• Support the implementation of UNOPS standards;
• Provide legal advice to UNOPS AFCO project’s financial management staff on project audits and follow up actions, if required.
• Ensure that the needs and priorities of the project, as well as any continuing implementation challenges are communicated to the appropriate policy units for action and follow up;
  
  

Knowledge Management

• Advise and support the project team in the development of the project monitoring digital platform, and the management and recording of legal documentation
• Actively contribute to global knowledge sharing across the organisation in line with UNOPS Knowledge Management Strategy in order to share examples of best practice and lessons learned. Due to confidentiality reasons, no sensitive information about the VCEP project will be shared across UNOPS, UN or other organizations.
• Maintain records of decisions made and actions taken.
  
  

“Other responsibilities within the level and scope of this ToR, in connection with the VCEP, may be agreed in consultation with the supervisor'