LEGAL OFFICER, P4

Job Title

LEGAL OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office

International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Duty Station

ARUSHA

Posting Period

12 June 2012-12 July 2012

Job Opening number

12-LEG-RMT-24248-R-ARUSHA (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), ICTR Branch, Arusha. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Officer in Charge/Senior Legal Officer.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Under the overall guidance of the Officer in Charge/Senior Legal Officer, serves as lead legal officer who oversees all the legal work of the OTP and independently handles a wide range of multidisciplinary and complex legal matters.

Coordinates and directs teams of other legal officers dealing with significant issues as required, and supervises the work of junior officers generally, and on specific projects.

Under the guidance of the Officer in Charge/Senior Legal Officer, provides legal advice to the Prosecutor and OTP staff on diverse substantive and procedural legal questions which can include questions of considerable complexity and those related to policy and diplomatic matters related to the core functions of the OTP.

Performs extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal opinions, motions, briefs, reports and correspondence.

Supervises/carries out case-related legal work and is responsible for the maintenance of the statistics relating to the legal work of the OTP.

Supervises the preparation of or prepares legal documents required for tracking activities and the provision of assistance to national authorities.

Provides legal advice to archivists on documents, the evidence collection and case-related research enquiries.

Attends court hearings and advocates before the IRMCT as required.

Services diplomatic conferences, commissions, committees, task forces, expert groups and other bodies, including the preparation of background materials, summaries of issues and views of delegations, meeting reports, etc.

Serves on various standing boards, committees, ad hoc working groups and task forces, as required; promotes the work of the OTP and represents the organization at meetings, conferences, seminars, etc.

Designs and reviews systems and procedures for the OTP, ICTR Branch concerning legal issues and revises/develops policy guidelines on legal matters as appropriate.

Assists and supports the work of the ICTY Branch as required.

Performs other duties as directed by the Officer in Charge/Senior Legal Officer.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including international criminal law , with a particular emphasis on the legal practice of the ICTR and/or the ICTY. Sound knowledge of the functioning of criminal investigation s and prosecutions at the national and international levels. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex issues and in developing innovative solutions. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal documents. Experience and ability to work well in a multicultural environment. Ability to work to tight deadlines and to handle multiple concurrent projects. Good computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications and online legal research tools. 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; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages 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; 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.

Planning & 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.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law. Admission to practice law in a national jurisdiction is required. First-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Postgraduate studies in criminal or international law would be an asset.

Work Experience

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in criminal prosecution, including substantial experience at the international level. Relevant experience at the ICTR and/or ICTY is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the IRMCT, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other would be an asset.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a written assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment is limited to the Mechanism. Appointment of the successful candidate on this position will be limited to the initial funding of the post. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. As the international tribunals are not integrated in the Secretariat, UN Staff Members serve on assignment or secondment from their parent department/office if selected. Appointments of staff members in the United Nations are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. Staff Members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules and procedures, and may in this context be reassigned by the Secretary-General throughout the Organization based on the changing needs and mandates.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.