Commanding Officer UN Detention Facility (and Special Advisor on Enforcement Matters), P4

Special Notice

The appointment is limited to the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. 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.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position of Commanding Officer, United Nations Detention Facility ("UNDF"), is located in the Office of the Registrar, Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals ("MICT") at the Arusha Branch.

Responsibilities

On behalf of the Registrar, the incumbent has the responsibility for the overall administration and running of the United Nations Detention Unit (“UNDF”) in Arusha; for any detainees awaiting trial or appeal at the MICT Arusha branch (and any other person detained under the authority of the MICT in UNDF); and for ensuring the continued application and protection of their individual rights. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for providing advice on matters surrounding the enforcement of sentences arising out of ICTR or MICT Arusha branch cases.

In particular, the incumbent:
- directs, supervises, organises, plans a suitable management structure at UNDF and ensures compliance with the relevant rules, regulations and directives;
- performs functions and provides advice to the Registrar in connection with all aspects concerning the overall operational, logistical and legal framework at the UNDF in accordance with the applicable Detention Rules;
- makes recommendations and provides the Registrar with advice on custodial and policy matters as well as conceptualization, development and implementation of policies and procedures, including recommending suitable provisions and mechanisms on detention and enforcement matters;
- liaises with the Medical Service staff to ensure adequate healthcare for the detainees and appropriate reporting of health related issues up the chain of command;
- ensures the submission of relevant documentation and co-ordination of preparations required for the transfer of convicts to Enforcement States;
- as required and in coordination with the Office of the Registrar, represents, liaises and negotiates on behalf of the Registrar on various prison management matters with internal and external partners and stakeholders, including local prison authorities, police, ministries, diplomatic missions and other private and governmental entities in the Host Country and existing or prospective Enforcement States;
- performs any other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism - Proven senior experience with prison governance and administration. Demonstrated knowledge of international prison standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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.

• Planning and Organising – 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.

• 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.

• 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 improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

• Judgement/Decision-making – Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organisation; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Psychology or Management of Prisons or related area is required. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Additionally a police, military or penitentiary degree is desirable.

Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in prison management at the national or international level in the area of custody and detention. Previous experience in the area of custody and detention in international tribunals or courts is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Mechanism. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and French is required.

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