UN Office of the IIIM-Syria

Position description

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer (Gender-based crimes) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serves as a lead officer regarding the IIIM’s gender and victim/survivor centered approach , and independently handles a wide range of multi-disciplinary and complex legal matters involving issues of international, public, humanitarian and human rights law, to include interpretation and application of instruments in that area of concentration, as well as criminal law (both substantive and procedural).
• Provides legal advice on diverse substantive and procedural questions of considerable complexity, which may include those related to gender and victim perspectives on accountability for international crimes, international and domestic criminal investigations and prosecutions, etc.
• Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, studies, briefs, reports and correspondence; provides legal advice to the unit/division.
• Prepares legal argument as necessary in the course of investigations and prosecutions.
• Supports with conferences, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of representatives, meeting reports, etc.
• Reviews, advises on and drafts complex, agreements, institutional and operational modalities, or legal motions/submissions and other legal documents; develops new legal modalities to meet unique needs/circumstances.
• Advises on and participates in establishing strategy and approach related to gender and victim perspectives etc.
• Serves on various ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the IIIM and represents the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.
• Coordinates and directs teams of other legal officers dealing with significant problems as required, and/or mentors and supervises the work of junior officers on specific projects.
• Contributes to review and design of new, or new applications of, legal instruments, policy, guidelines, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of integrating a gender analysis into international criminal law practice. Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including criminal law, both substantive and procedural. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in investigating and supporting the prosecution of complex criminal cases. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions or legal submissions/, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Ability to effectively interact with witnesses and make substantial legal arguments, or if required to take responsibility for preparation for criminal trials. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required.
• Experience in international criminal law is desirable.
• Experience in gender analysis is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, for the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Application instructions