Legal Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

Assignment is with family (KINSHASA)

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Political Affairs Officer, P5, and overall direction of the Mission Chief of Staff, the duties of the Legal Officer will include but are not limited to the following:
• Assist with the handling of diverse issues related to the status, mandate, and operations of the Mission, particularly those with legal implications.
• Assist with the provision of legal advice to the OCOS with respect to the interpretation of Security Council resolutions, MOUs, contracts and other documents relevant to the Mission’s mandate;
• Assist with the provision of legal advice on and handle matters in the areas of privileges and immunities, conduct and discipline, private legal obligations, human rights, as well as issues related to the disarmament and demobilization of foreign armed groups;
• Provide support to fact-finding and evidence-gathering teams and assist in reviewing Board of Inquiry reports and head of Mission reports;
• Assist with legal matters involving the rules and regulations of the Organization;
• Review and advise OCOS on contracts, agreements and memoranda of understanding, including with agencies, funds, programmes, governments, NGOs and other public and private entities;
• Draft and review Notes Verbales to different governments as well as Code Cables to the New York Headquarters particularly as they relate to gender, legal as well as conduct and discipline issues;
• Ensure appropriate coordination and consultation with all components of the Mission and consolidate inputs from all pillars as required;
• Draft key messages, background notes and minutes of meetings;
• Any other duties as requested by the supervisor.