As an integral part of the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the Legal Liaison Office provides advice on all legal matters arising within UNOG and United Nations funds and programmes in Geneva, in close cooperation with the Office of Legal Affairs at Headquarters.

The core functions of the Legal Liaison Office are as follows:

Providing advice to the Director-General of UNOG

Dealing with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland on host country matters

The Legal Liaison Office (LLO):

• assumes central responsibility in dealing with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland on all issues concerning the status of the United Nations and its staff in Geneva,

• in close consultation with the Office of Legal Affairs in New York, LLO deals with all requests emanating from the Swiss authorities for the waiver of immunity of the Organization and of UNOG staff members,

• represents the United Nations in court cases and external litigation,

• maintains contacts with the French authorities concerning issues relating to the residence of UNOG staff members in France, and the application of certain provisions of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations to them.

In coordination with relevant services and divisions, the Senior Legal Adviser prepares and carries out written and oral requests concerning the interpretation and implementation of the host country agreement, with emphasis on privileges and immunities, spouse employment, residence permits (carte de légitimation) and tax questions.

Answering legal questions from the UNOG Administration, departments and services, and United Nations funds and programmes

Coordinating with the Legal Advisers of the Geneva-based United Nations family organizations

Participating in various panels and commissions

As an ex officio member in various panels and commissions, the Senior Legal Adviser participates in the sessions of:

• The Contracts Committee
• The Property Survey Board
• The Local Claims Board
• The Central Review Committee

and on an ad hoc basis, in others such as:

• The Diplomatic Committee
• The Cultural Committee.

Cooperating with permanent missions

Liaison with the Office of Legal Affairs in New York

Organizing and conducting the International Law Seminar

Providing administrative support to the International Law Commission