ROSALIE AKA
NEW YORK,NY
Summary
Legal counsel with broad experience in international administrative law, legal research, and dispute resolution across UN headquarters and field settings. Advises senior officials, reviews contracts and contested decisions, supports informal settlements, and drafts clear legal guidance in multilingual environments.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Officer
United Nations Headquarters
New York, New York
09.2017 - 09.2026
- Assessed receivable cases against institutional legal instruments and case law, and drafted management review letters for Under-Secretary-General signature.
- Reviewed complex requests for management review of contested administrative decisions to assess receivability under UN Staff Rules and MEU terms of reference.
- Facilitated informal dispute resolution, drafting settlement agreements between staff and administration to promote resolution.
- Collaborated with Chief of MEU to analyze recurring management issues, contributing trend data for quarterly and biennial reports.
- Managed French-language requests for unit, delivering language support and legal insights.
Legal Counsel
Côte d'Ivoire Economic Promotion Office
NY, NY
10.2014 - 12.2016
- As Legal Counsel, I performed the following duties.
- Advised Delegate General on legal matters related to trade promotion activities, facilitating identification of business opportunities, partnerships, and promotion of Ivoirian products and services.
- Review all contracts related to the functioning of the office and thematic promotional events.
- Briefed potential investors on Côte d'Ivoire investment Code and relevant regulatory frameworks during meetings, ensuring clarity and compliance.
- Led trade missions to Côte d'Ivoire for American investors, connecting them with industry decision-makers and government officials to evaluate local business climate, trade policies, and market opportunities.
Independent Jurist
United Nations Women Guild (UNWG) Lawyers Fellowship Group (LFG)
New York
07.2013 - 09.2014
- As an Independent Jurist, I carried out the following duties:
- Provided comprehensive legal guidance on diverse matters, ensuring compliance and informed decision-making for UNWG.
- Redrafted by-laws and Terms of Reference for Membership Committee, enhancing governance framework for UNWG.
- Resolved legal issues for members of Times Square Church, facilitating smoother operations and member support.
- Organized informational seminars for Times Square Church.
Legal Consultant
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Vienna
04.2013 - 05.2013
- Consulted with Human Resource Management Branch in Programme Support and General Management Division (PSM/HRM) to provide legal insights and guidance.
- Conducted analysis and extensive legal research for appeal lodged with Director-General before UNIDO Joint Appeals Board, informing decision-making.
- Drafted reply to statement of appeal for Director-General to submit to UNIDO Joint Appeals Board, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Legal Officer
Department of Management
New York
12.2011 - 06.2012
- As a Legal Officer with the Management Evaluation Unit (MEU) of the Department of Management, I carried out the following duties:
- Carried out management evaluation of contested management decisions to determine whether they were in accordance with relevant institutional legal instruments and jurisprudence.
- Assessed information from staff and management, conducted legal research on relevant institutional legal instruments and jurisprudence, and drafted management evaluation letters for Chief of MEU's review and Under-Secretary-General's signature.
- Reviewed staff requests for management evaluation of contested administrative decisions, ensuring compliance with Staff Rules and receivability criteria outlined in MEU's Terms of Reference.
- Facilitated dispute settlements between staff and Administration, conveying MEU's provisional views to promote informal resolutions.
- Prepared documentation for settlement agreements for disputes.
Legal Specialist
Bureau of Management
New York
07.2009 - 06.2010
- As a Legal Specialist with the Legal Support Office of the UNDP Bureau of Management, I filled the following functions:
- Delivered legal advice to UNDP senior management, headquarters units, and country offices, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Served in all stages of cases involving allegations of misconduct and administrative appeals.
- Prepared written responses and other submissions on behalf of the Administration and in response to applications filed before the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.
- Managed requests for management evaluation from staff and drafted comprehensive responses, ensuring clarity and compliance with regulations.
- Conducted extensive legal research and analysis, preparing legal opinions that clarified complex legal issues for stakeholders.
Legal Specialist
UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Disciplinary Committee
New York
12.2005 - 06.2009
- Served as the Legal Specialist for the inter-agency Disciplinary Committee covering UNDP, UNFPA, and UNOPS.
- Streamlined processes in newly created Office of the Administration of Justice, facilitating efficient disposal of cases referred to the Committee.
- Conducted expert analysis and provided comprehensive background information on cases before the Committee.
- Provided legal advice and guidance to Panel members on technical and procedural matters consistent with the UNDP Legal Framework.
- Coordinated periodic plenary sessions of the Disciplinary Committee, ensuring adherence to due process requirements and drafting final summary reports on Panel deliberations and recommendations.
Secretary
UN Department of Management
New York
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Acted as Secretary of the Joint Appeals Board and Joint Disciplinary Committee, reviewing administrative appeals and cases of misconduct.
- Provided legal advice on substantive issues and procedural matters for requests on suspension of action, appeals, and disciplinary cases, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Advised the Board members on the potential consequence(s) of their recommendation(s).
- Proposed solutions consistent with the governing regulations and rules, which helped resolve difficult legal issues.
- Drafted reports for Secretary-General based on JAB/JDC deliberations, synthesizing complex legal discussions and recommendations.
- Advised Board members on the interpretation and implementation of legal instruments. Conducted comprehensive legal research on a wide range of issues, including those of a unique and complex nature, concerning various areas of operations and separately administered Programmes and Funds.
- Liaised with stakeholders in UN internal administration of justice, facilitating collaboration among Administrative Law Unit, Office of the Ombudsman, and Panel of Counsel.
Legal Officer
United Nations Development Programme
09.2001 - 12.2001
- Acted as a legal officer in the UNDP Office of Legal and Procurement Support.
- Analyzed and assessed requests for review of administrative decisions, allegations of misconduct, and appeals from UNDP Country Offices and management, ensuring thorough evaluation of each case.
- Delivered legal opinions and guidance to Country Offices on various substantive and procedural matters, enhancing understanding of legal implications.
- Advised Office of Human Resources on interpretation and application of UN Staff Regulation and Rules, facilitating compliance with organizational policies.
- Prepared case-files for the Joint Appeals Board and the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Disciplinary Committee, respectively.
- Ensured that staff members were afforded due process during disciplinary proceedings.
Human Rights Officer and Protocol/Liaison Officer
Port-au-Prince
Port-au-Prince
01.1995 - 01.2001
- As a Human Rights Officer and Protocol/Liaison Officer in Haiti, I filled the following functions:
- In accordance with the Mission mandate derived from relevant Security Council resolutions, investigated allegations of human rights violations in Les Cayes, Jacmel and Port-au-Prince and monitored the local judicial system, according special attention to criminal procedure and prisoners' rights.
- Liaised with host country authorities, diplomatic community, and UN agencies to foster collaboration and enhance mission effectiveness.
- Organized and evaluated inter-institutional seminars on human rights principles, providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
- Provided legal advice on Mission activities regarding immunities and privileges of staff, ensuring compliance with the Status of Mission Agreement.
- Monitored electoral campaigns and observed the voting process on elections day.
- 1995-1996/1998-2001
Research Analyst
Lessons Learned Unit
01.1996 - 01.1997
- As a Research Analyst in the DPKO Lessons Learned Unit (now Peacekeeping Best Practices Unit), I undertook the following duties:
- Conducted extensive research on select peacekeeping operations to extract lessons learned, informing improvements in UN peace operations.
- Participated proactively in the regular monitoring and evaluation of the conduct of those operations through on-site visits, identified lessons to be learned on an ongoing basis and designed strategies for implementing desirable action
- Led analysis of issues related to staff conduct and administration of justice in mission areas, contributing to ongoing policy development.
- Drafted comprehensive reports on lessons learned from UN peace operations, distributed to Member States, senior Secretariat officers, and various UN agencies and NGOs.
- Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNHQ
Political Affairs Officer
Phase 2 of United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II)
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Acted as a Political Affairs Officer in UNOSOM II.
- Attended political reconciliation meetings, drafting reports and analysis to inform decision-making.
- Participated in conflict resolution processes and facilitated peace initiatives by clan leaders.
- Monitored establishment of District/Regional Councils in Mogadishu, ensuring alignment with Addis Ababa Agreement.
- Coordinated financial assistance from Life and Peace (Swedish NGO) to support newly-established District and Regional Councils.
Manager
Assurance et Crédit Immobilier de Cote d' Ivoire
Abidjan
01.1991 - 01.1992
- As a Manager of the company, I performed the following tasks:
- Assessed housing needs across the country to inform strategic initiatives.
- Negotiated financing proposals with commercial banks to enhance homebuyer access.
In-house Counsel
Confiserie Abinader
01.1991 - 01.1991
- As an in-house Counsel for the Company, I performed the following tasks:
- Provided legal advice and opinions on contract and personnel-related matters.
- Coordinated delivery of legal documents to lawyers for comprehensive review.
- Collaborated with lawyers to align arguments with national and international legal standards.
Legal Counsel
La Maison des Juristes
Abidjan
01.1989 - 01.1991
- As Legal Counsel for the firm, I performed the following tasks
- Provided tailored legal advice to diverse clients on civil and administrative law matters, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Guided individuals through legal processes, enhancing their understanding and access to justice.
- Reviewed and updated national law volumes for Côte d'Ivoire to ensure compliance and relevance.
Education
Master of Laws -
Fordham University
New York01-2008
MBA - Finance and Banking
Pace University
New York01-1988
Maitrise en Droit des Affaires -
Université of Abidjan
Cote d'Ivoire01-1984
Skills
- Legal negotiation
- Legal drafting
- Legal research
- Regulatory analysis
- Dispute resolution
- International law
- Policy analysis
- Project management
- Case management
- Stakeholder liaison
- Analytical thinking
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Internet research skills
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Interpersonal skills
- Written communication
Other Interests:
Multilingual skills: English, French, Haitian Creole, some Spanish
Hobbies and Interests
Volunteering and Mentoring, Peace-building and reconstruction in Haiti, The evolution of human rights law - (the right to peace), The Rights of the Child, Legal blogging
Timeline
Legal Officer
United Nations Headquarters
09.2017 - 09.2026
Legal Counsel
Côte d'Ivoire Economic Promotion Office
10.2014 - 12.2016
Independent Jurist
United Nations Women Guild (UNWG) Lawyers Fellowship Group (LFG)
07.2013 - 09.2014
Legal Consultant
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
04.2013 - 05.2013
Legal Officer
Department of Management
12.2011 - 06.2012
Legal Specialist
Bureau of Management
07.2009 - 06.2010
Legal Specialist
UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Disciplinary Committee
12.2005 - 06.2009
Secretary
UN Department of Management
01.2002 - 01.2005
Legal Officer
United Nations Development Programme
09.2001 - 12.2001
Research Analyst
Lessons Learned Unit
01.1996 - 01.1997
Human Rights Officer and Protocol/Liaison Officer
Port-au-Prince
01.1995 - 01.2001
Political Affairs Officer
Phase 2 of United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II)
01.1993 - 01.1994
Manager
Assurance et Crédit Immobilier de Cote d' Ivoire
01.1991 - 01.1992
In-house Counsel
Confiserie Abinader
01.1991 - 01.1991
Legal Counsel
La Maison des Juristes
01.1989 - 01.1991
Master of Laws -
Fordham University
MBA - Finance and Banking
Pace University
Maitrise en Droit des Affaires -
Université of Abidjan