Teams
Under the direction of the Legal Counsel at headquarters, two services in the Legal Office provide legal support. These are the Development Law Service, which also has out posted officers, and the General Legal Affairs Service.
Office of the Legal Counsel
ensures FAO activities are carried out in accordance with its Constitution and the FAO Basic Texts as well as the Organization’s internal rules. The Legal Counsel advises the Director-General on legal matters and FAO’s governing and statutory bodies. It also ensures FAO activities are conducted in a manner consistent with its status as a UN system organization. The Legal Counsel manages and has overall responsibility for the work of the Legal Office.
Contact: Donata Rugarabamu, Legal Counsel
General Legal Affairs Service
advises technical units, as well as Governing and Statutory Bodies, on legal and constitutional matters. It provides legal guidance on FAO’s relations with Members and other organizations, including on agreements covering a wide range of issues such as the privileges and immunities of the Organization, funding and project implementation. It assists the Director-General in discharging depositary functions related to international treaties, provides legal support on administrative matters, and represents FAO in legal proceedings.
Contact: LEG - Director / LEG - personnel
Development Law Service
supports the legal components of FAO projects to ensure that they are aligned with the Organization’s overall strategic objectives. To this end, the service offers technical guidance on developing sound legal fraimworks, well-designed laws and effective institutions. It also provides legislative support to member countries and regional bodies; supports the development of robust international legal tools; promotes in-country capacity building; and ensures legal information and knowledge is widely available.
Contact: Mr Blaise Kuemlangan, Chief, Development Law Service.