GBLCAREERS

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Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bangui. Bangui is classified as a “D” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Justice and Corrections Section or a designated officer under his/her supervision.
Mandate On 10 April 2014 the Security Council established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) by its resolution 2149 (2104). While the protection of civilians is its utmost priority other mandates of the mission include the support for the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promotion and protection of human rights, support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. For more information visit http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
• Participates in the development and implementation of the mission’s strategies related to the rule of law and the development/reform of the justice and legal systems and, depending on the mission’s structures, the prison system, to include advising national counterparts, providing training and monitoring to the court and legal systems, etc.;
• Serves as a recognized expert in one or more areas of concentration (e.g. gender justice, juvenile justice, etc.); provides policy and operational advice to senior management on an ongoing basis and assists in programming related activities at the national level; independently handles a wide ranges of multi-discipline, highly complex, and often sensitive and/or conflicting matters involving issues relating to the development or reform of legal or judicial systems/institutions;
• Participates in work teams, guides, supervises and evaluates the work of junior officers; may assist in the general management and administration of the work unit, organizing and prioritizing the workload and providing general coordination and supervision of assignments;
• Plans, coordinates and supervises all activities in assigned area; ensures an integrated and harmonized approach among other components of the mission (e.g. corrections, human rights, political affairs, policy, gender, child protection, etc.) and UN entities;
• Promotes knowledge management and information sharing, including developing a culture of respect for, and inclusion of, local actors in all judicial and legal systems initiatives;
• Participates in research studies and the preparation of written outputs, as well as performs extensive legal research and analysis on highly complex or novel legal issues/questions and prepares reports, studies, briefs, reports and other written material; participates in legislative reviews and prepares commentaries;
• Provides innovative technical advice and assistance to regional and local commissions, standing committees, and other offices, etc.;
• Coordinates/performs programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the work unit, including contributing to the preparation of budgets, reporting on performance and results, managing and evaluating staff performance, job interviewing and evaluation of candidates; and
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of a range of issues related to judicial, prosecutorial and legal systems, reform, capacity building, etc. Knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, investigation strategies, relevant international human rights standards, etc. Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on judicial affairs initiatives in assigned country/area. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
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.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience and bar qualification or equivalent may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal academic, legal consultant, or advisor in the field of justice, is required. Experience working on justice issues in an international governmental or international non-governmental organization, is required. Experience working in a transitional, developmental or post-conflict setting outside the applicant’s country of nationality is desirable. Experience in the building of cases for prosecution is desirable. Experience in international or hybrid tribunals is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process.