Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is composed of 15 judges, elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Court has a twofold role: first, to settle, in accordance with international law, through judgments which have binding force and are without appeal for the parties concerned, legal disputes submitted to it by States; and, second, to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by duly authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The Court is the only principal organ of the United Nations not serviced by the Secretariat and has its own Registry, which provides judicial support to the Court and acts as a permanent administrative organ. The Registry is headed by a Registrar, elected by the Court. The position is located in the Document Production Unit of the Publishing Division of the Registry. The incumbent reports directly to the Head of the Document Production Unit.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties: – Work as part of a team, sometimes under considerable time constraints, to format, edit and assemble complex and sometimes highly confidential Court documents and pleadings in accordance with the Registry’s editorial guidelines, using Microsoft Word and other software packages such as Adobe Acrobat Professional; insert maps and illustrations and format Court decisions to align French and English texts accurately for “en regard” presentation. – Provide editorial services to all departments and divisions of the Court as needed. – Insert changes into Court documents as marked by translators and revisers, ensuring that all corrections, as marked in the draft copy, have been incorporated. – Proofread each document processed, ensuring that the person responsible is informed if obvious errors or discrepancies are found in the text; check footnote references and cross-references within documents; check pagination and generate tables of contents. – Accurately transcribe verbatim records of Court hearings, within a strict timeframe, using Digital Audio Recording; format, proofread and assemble the transcripts of verbatim records and their translations, including verification of ICJ references, footnotes and quotations. – Develop publishing layout and design proposals using the approved software, and prepare print-ready publications and information materials, in various languages, in liaison with relevant staff members across the Registry. – Finalize complex PDF files for electronic distribution and reproduction, and archive them in the division’s electronic record-keeping system with accurate metadata. – Train and guide junior, new and temporary colleagues in the processing of both basic and complex documents. – Assist and replace the Editorial Assistant or Head of Unit in proofreading final documents as needed. – Perform other related tasks as required. The incumbent is sometimes required to work beyond normal working hours, especially during hearings.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has excellent knowledge of editorial practices, including typographic standards. Has excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation skills. Has the critical ability to work as part of a team in a multicultural environment and to work under pressure, with attention to detail and complete discretion. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation skills are required. An excellent command of the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat is required. An excellent knowledge of editorial practices, including typographic standards is required. Knowledge of InDesign is desirable. Training in proofreading or a related area is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in editorial services, including copy editing, proofreading, publishing, typographical layout or related areas, is required. A first-level or higher university degree may substitute for two years of experience. Relevant experience within the United Nations, a similar organization or a judicial environment is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the official and working languages of the Court. For this position, a perfect command of English and a full working knowledge of French are required.

Assessment

The assessment of qualified candidates will include written test(s) and a competency and/or knowledge-based interview.

Special Notice

The Court is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a staff member. This post is subject to local recruitment pursuant to United Nations Staff Rule 4.4. All staff in the General Service and related categories are in principle recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the seat of the Court, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment is not eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Candidates living outside the Netherlands or beyond commuting distance of the seat of the Court may apply for the position but will be regarded as local applicants and be subject to the same conditions. Candidates meeting the requirements of the position may be invited for tests and interview remotely or at the seat of the Court in The Hague. In the latter case, those candidates will be required to cover their own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. If the selected candidate is a staff member from an organization applying the United Nations Common System of Salaries and Allowances, the provisions of the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan shall apply. The selected candidate may be subject to security clearance, including verification of the information provided and a criminal record check. All candidates should be able to submit an electronic copy of their passport, recent performance appraisal reports, and all diplomas listed on their profile when requested. The Registrar reserves the right not to appoint any candidate to the post, or to appoint one at a lower level or on the basis of a modified job description. Suitable candidates not selected for this position may be placed on a reserve list for consideration in case a similar vacancy arises in the future.

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the ICJ Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICJ if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ICJ does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICJ are fraudulent and should be disregarded.