Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Rights Officer, and overall supervision of the Chief of Service, Political Affairs Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Contributes to the development and implementation of key component(s) of the approved programme, including the overall strategy and policy framework related to the rule of law and the development/reform of the legal and judicial systems in the region.

• Reviews and monitors rule of law-related developments in individual countries in West Africa and the Sahel, and at regional level; assesses trends which might affect the political and rule of law situation, including from a gender perspective, prepares analytical reports and background papers on such developments, with a view to provide advice on early warning, political engagement and solutions/possible actions to the mission leadership. • Contributes to the preparation of talking points, reports, code cables, statements, speeches, and other relevant documents, including in the preparation of meetings on rule of law-related matters involving the mission leadership or clusters.

 

• Researches and prepares technical legal and policy guidance to advise mission leadership, and international and national partners on a range of issues relating to the delivery of justice sector services with a view to promoting international standards and supporting reform of national rule of law frameworks. • Serves as liaison between national authorities at technical level, and potential partners, including the provision of technical and operational assistance in programme development and implementation. • Advises national and international partners on the design, organization and content of training programs and projects, including sustainable training strategies.

• Ensures effective knowledge management and information-sharing, including developing a culture of respect for, and inclusion of, local actors in all judicial and legal system initiatives. • Advises on and prepares extensive research and analysis, including comparative legal, operational or procedural questions; prepares or assists in the preparation of a variety of written outputs. • Prepares or assists in the preparation of administrative and policy outputs such as thematic or analytical reports and assessments, policy documents and guidelines, and participates in legislative or policy reviews and drafts/reviews specialized commentaries and analyses.

• Performs programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of work unit, including contributing to the preparation of budgets, reporting on performance and results, evaluating staff performance, job interviewing and evaluation of candidates. • Fosters coordination and maintains close working relationships across the Section and with relevant mission components (e.g. corrections, human rights, political affairs, policy, gender, child protection, etc.), UN agencies and other international and national partners. • Performs other related duties as required.

 

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of unit’s mandate and strategic direction.

Demonstrated understanding of a range of issues related to judicial, prosecutorial and legal systems, reform, capacity building, etc. Knowledge of criminal law, 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. Ability to work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g.

civil strife, natural disasters and human suffering). 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 law.

A first-level university degree in combination with other relevant legal experience in the field of justice and/or rule of law assistance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (05) years of professional experience as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal academic, legal consultant, or advisor in the field of justice is required. A minimum of two years of professional experience in a transitional, developmental, or post-conflict setting outside the applicant’s country of nationality is required.

Experience coordinating international or regional efforts to develop legal and judicial institutions in a developmental, transitional or post-conflict setting, outside the applicant’s country of nationality, is required. Experience in a peacekeeping mission with the development of strategies and workplans in the areas of rule of law development and security sector reform in a post-conflict context, including contribution to the rule of law and security sector reform elements of a Comprehensive Planning and Performance Assessment System (CPAS) as well as to results-based budgeting preparation and reporting, is desirable.

Experience working in the region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.