Legal Officer, Arusha , Tanzania

Posting Title:

LEGAL OFFICER, P4

Job Code Title:

LEGAL OFFICER

Department/ Office

International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

Duty Station

ARUSHA

Posting Period

28 April 2014-28 May 2014

Job Opening number

14-LEG-ICTR-34425-R-ARUSHA (R)

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

Special Notice

The appointment is limited to the ICTR. Appointment of the successful candidate to this position will be limited to the 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.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Judicial and Legal Affairs Section (JLAS) of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The incumbent of the position will work under direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer and Chief, JLAS and the overall supervision of the Registrar.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer and Chief, JLAS, the Legal Officer will perform the following duties:

1. Assists the Chief, JLAS on Chambers and Office of the President related matters:

• Provides legal advice to the Senior Legal Officer on international humanitarian law, international criminal law, criminal law and human rights law;
• Assists in the coordination of the work of the Chambers;
• Assists in the organization of the Plenary sessions of the Judges, assists in the preparation of amendments to the Tribunal's legal instruments and assists in the implementation of the decisions taken;
• Assists in the preparation of the Chambers' input to the Annual Report to the General Assembly and Security Council as well as the Report on the Completion Strategy;
• Assists in the transfer of judicial and legal functions to the Mechanism; prepares protocols, memoranda and documents to report such transfer of functions;

2. Assists the Chief, JLAS on court management related matters:

Assists in the organization of the judicial proceedings;

Contributes in the provision of technical and administrative assistance to the Chambers and the Parties, including the preparation of the Judicial Calendar and the minutes of proceedings, pursuant to Article 35 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence;

Supervises the filing and distribution of judicial and other official documents of the Tribunal;

Provides assistance to the Registrar in maintaining the record book, pursuant to Article 36 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence;

Contributes in the review of information in the custody of the Section, in order to make public all non-confidential information;

Assists in ensuring that the official Seals and Stamps of the Tribunal are in safe custody;

Assists in ensuring that the judicial records of the Tribunal are maintained in accordance with the Directive for the Registry;

Contributes in the provision of support to the acquitted and released persons under the care of the ICTR;

3. Assists the Chief, JLAS on residual witnesses and victims related matters:

Provides legal advice to the Chambers on protective measures for witnesses or any amendments thereof and assists in dealing with issues relating to the protection of witnesses in ongoing cases;

Contributes in the preparation, management and archiving of witnesses and victims related documents;

4. Assists the Chief, JLAS on residual Defence counsel and detention management related matters:

Provides assistance upon request in the assessment and authorization for the payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses to members of defence teams;

Assists in matters related to the conditions of detention and welfare of the detainees, ensuring conformity with international standards of conditions of detention;

5. Conducts extensive legal research and analysis and prepares legal studies, briefs, reports and submissions made pursuant to Article 33(B) of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence;

6. Provides assistance to the Registrar in reviewing ICTR submissions to the Management Evaluation Unit and the Administrative Law Section in response to complaints filed by staff members in the framework of the United Nations internal justice system; conducts extensive legal research on relevant jurisprudence from the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and the United Nations Appeals Tribunal; drafts ICTR submissions on request;

7. Provides assistance in carrying out management responsibilities for the Section including, planning, budgeting, human resources matters and facilities, in view of the fact that in 2015, it may be the sole responsibility of the Legal Officer to run the Section.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a wide range of legal documents. Sound knowledge of substantive and procedural international criminal law.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues.
• Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in legal writing and expression.
• 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.

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.

Managing performance:

• Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority;
• makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member;
• accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills;
• monitors progress against milestones and deadlines;
• regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative;
• actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff;
• appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law.
• A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Postgraduate studies in public international law or international criminal law would be an asset.
• Progressive years of experience are calculated only after receipt of the first accredited university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in law, including substantial experience in international criminal law.
• Relevant experience acquired at an international criminal tribunal and experience in the management of staff are required.
• Experience in court administration is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the working languages of the ICTR, English or French (both oral and written) is required;
• knowledge of the other is desirable.

Assessment Method

• A written assessment may be organized which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

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