DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS
Quick answer
The United Nations is hiring a senior Director, Legal Affairs (NEW YORK-based) to lead the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, with a focus on the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
- Role
- DIRECTOR, LEGAL AFFAIRS
- Organization
- United Nations
- Location
- NEW YORK
- Level
- Senior
- Category
- Legal
The role
The Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, will lead the work of the Division as interim secretariat under the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
What you'll do
- Organizes and supervises the substantive support provided to various bodies under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Leads the work of the Division as interim secretariat under the BBNJ Agreement
- Assists and cooperates with international organizations, programmes, and other stakeholders
- Monitors, reviews, and analyzes developments in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea
- Supports the Under-Secretary-General in her capacity as focal point of UN Oceans
- Manages the Division, including the supervision of the preparation of the budget and reporting on programme performance
What it takes
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, with a specialization in public international law
- Over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of public international law, of which at least 5 years are in supervisory positions
- At least 5 years of experience in the law of sea and ocean affairs related matters at the international level
- Experience in providing secretariat services to, or participating as a delegate in, meetings of intergovernmental bodies or conferences
- Experience using data and digital technologies to improve strategic decisions, efficiency, and service delivery
- Experience applying behavioural science insights to strengthen programme design, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement
What you'll bring
Frequently asked questions
Where is the job located?
The job is located in NEW YORK.
What is the compensation?
The compensation is not specified.
What are the key qualifications required?
Key qualifications include an advanced university degree in law, over 15 years of professional experience, and experience in the law of sea and ocean affairs.
How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted through the UN's online recruitment platform, inspira, by the deadline of 08/30/2026.
Is the job remote?
The job location is specified as NEW YORK, so it is not remote.
How to apply
Apply directly on United Nations's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
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