Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located within the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS) in the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Judicial Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of Justice and Corrections Service.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Judicial Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Mission Planning and Support • Provide backstopping support to justice and corrections components in United Nations peace operations; • Review and analyze justice issues in United Nations peace operations; • Maintain regular contact with mission counterparts and provide feedback and analysis on reports, code cables and other correspondence and communications from peace operations; • Support the planning of justice and legal system aspects of peace operations; • Participate in or prepare senior colleagues for justice and corrections and rule of law field assessments, reviews and technical support missions and draft corresponding reports; • Contribute to the provision of operational support and advice to the Departments of Peace Operations and Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and to judicial and legal system components/capacities of peace operations and non-Mission settings; • Draft, compile, review and edit briefing notes, code cables, memoranda, talking points and other documents for the Chief of Service, Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG), the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG) and other senior officials at Headquarters and in the field. Policy, Guidance and Partnerships • Coordinate with and convene internal and external partners, including United Nations partners of the Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law; • Contribute to the development and review of guidance materials and training tools, including by supporting lessons learned and best practices exercises. Management and Coordination Support • Contribute to various work streams of the Service in response to requests from the Chief of Service, OASG PBPSO and OUSG DPO and OUSG DPPA; • Provide quality control for outgoing correspondence, cables, notes and briefings for the approval of the Chief of Service; • Assist the Chief of Service or her/his delegate in the administration of the Service, including the development of work plans and budgetary documents; • Assist the development of project proposals in the justice and corrections areas for voluntary funding and the management of such funds; • Support the organization of briefings, conferences, meetings and training events; • Contribute to strategic communications initiatives of the Service, including the preparation of social media material; • Support recruitment processes, including by developing vacancy announcements and screening candidates for JCS and United Nations field missions; • Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of judicial and legal system issues, including knowledge of criminal law and relevant international human rights standards and their relationship and linkages to post-conflict recovery and stabilization frameworks and initiatives. Ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, including ability to identify and articulate issues that require a coordinated United Nations response. Judgment in applying technical expertise to a wide range of complex problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to judicial affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the United Nations system. 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 the 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
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law (JD, LLB or equivalent) is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in the field of justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years experience as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal expert, or international rule of law advisor is required. Experience working in a front office setting is required. Experience contributing to the development or implementation of joint programming with United Nations counterparts and supporting engagement with Member States and other international partners to marshal support for rule of law initiatives is required. Experience supporting national or international accountability mechanisms for serious crimes is desirable. One year supporting international rule of law or justice initiatives at the headquarters of an international organization and at least one year providing such support in a peace operation context outside the incumbent's own country of origin is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Desirable Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
