Overview
Supports the Chief of Service in developing mission-wide strategies and policy direction for promoting the rule of law. Provides substantive guidance and advice on justice, corrections, and legal reform.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports the Chief of Service in the development of mission-wide strategies, policy direction and guidance for the mission’s activities in promoting the rule of law and maintaining a repository of such material;
- Provides substantive guidance and advice to the Service and the Mission leadership in the areas of justice, corrections and legal reform to ensure coordination and coherence in the delivery of the Rule of Law interventions;
- Leads the justice team of the Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Service and ensures effective synergies between the justice and human rights teams to achieve the mission's strategies related to the strengthening and development of all aspects of the justice system, including implementation of applicable international standards, development and implementation of strategic planning processes, review and development of relevant legislation, rehabilitation of facilities and strengthening the capacity of the justice and corrections institutions;
- Establishes and maintains contacts and effective relations with national government officials and civil society representatives, including counterparts in the Ministry of Justice and/or other relevant Ministries, the judiciary, the public prosecution, prisons, military, security actors and law enforcement agencies, lawyers, academia and non-governmental organizations;
- Participates in coordination mechanisms at Mission level, United Nations Country Team and the international community, including representing the Mission as required;
- Liaises with the relevant sections and divisions at headquarters to enhance the interventions in the areas of rule of law and human rights;
- Performs any other tasks as required.
- Performs programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Human Rights, Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Service, including the preparation of budgets, reporting on performance and results, recruiting staff and managing and evaluating staff performance.
- Performs any other tasks as required.
Required Experience
At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience as a practicing lawyer, academic, prosecutor, judge, legal consultant or international legal assistance advisor is required. This must include at least three years providing technical assistance for the development/reform of justice, corrections and other rule of law or human rights institutions in a transitional, developmental or postconflict setting, outside the applicant's country of nationality. Managerial and leadership experience is required. At least one year relevant experience working in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required. Previous experience in working on the application of international human rights standards is required. Previous experience in programme management, including monitoring, evaluation and oversight in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) - or similar international organization or non-governmental organization is desirable. Relevant working experience in North Africa or the Middle East is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, or a first level university degree combined with bar qualification or equivalent, is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree, in combination with other relevant academic qualifications and/or additional legal experience in the field of justice, corrections, legal reform and/or rule of law assistance is required.
