Prosecution Adviser - Democratic Republic of the Congo

Under paragraph 12 d) of its resolution 1925 (2010), the Security Council has mandated MONUSCO to “Support national and international efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, including by establishing Prosecution Support Cells to assist the FARDC military justice authorities in prosecuting persons arrested by the FARDC”. Each of the Prosecution Support Cells (PSCs), eventually will be composed of 6 international experts – 1 Military Prosecutions Adviser, 1 Civilian Justice/Prosecutions Adviser, 2 United Nations Police Advisers and 2 Military Police Investigation Advisers - to provide technical advice and logistical support to FARDC military prosecutors and investigators in the conduct of investigations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, with a particular emphasis on sex crimes, as well as in the conduct of investigation of other violent crimes, such as homicide, pillage of natural resources and sexual violence perpetrated in the Eastern Provinces of the DRC. However, and in the meantime while the normal UN government-provided personnel and staffing process is underway, there is an urgent need to fill each of the cells immediately with a prosecutions adviser so that PSC operations can commence without delay.

General Functions:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Military Criminal Law Adviser and the overall guidance of the Director of the Rule of Law Office or her designate, the Prosecutions Adviser will assist FARDC military prosecutors in prosecuting the most serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, with a special emphasis on homicide, pillage of natural resources and sexual violence.

In particular, he/she will:

1. Provide technical advice and expertise to FARDC military prosecutors on the methods and techniques employed during all phases of the prosecution process, including case development, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects, supporting victims, gathering and safeguarding evidence, preparing evidence for trial, and presenting a case before the court.





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2. Assist in the development and application of standard operating procedures, prosecution guidelines and checklists, forms for briefs and other documents for FARDC military prosecutors.

3. Assist FARDC military prosecutors in the recording, documenting, and filing of all cases prosecuted with the support of PSCs.

4. Participate in donor outreach to mobilize additional support and funding for PSCs.

5. Participate in analyzing data generated by the PSCs, as well as in the assessment of results obtained as requested by Congolese officials.

6. Contribute to the development of a communication strategy to raise awareness by the local population of the work of Congolese justice including the role of the PSCs.


Qualifications:

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in law, or alternatively, a combination of a first-level university degree and proven experience as a prosecutor of serious crimes.

Work experience

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience as a prosecutor, judge, or legal adviser with a national judicial system, international organization or international or mixed criminal tribunal, including significant experience in the prosecution of serious crimes such as homicide and sexual violence. Experience in prosecutions of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as experience in a peacekeeping environment is highly desirable. Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment outside the applicant’s county of nationality, and mentoring and teaching experience is an advantage. Prior military experience and experience with military justice systems is also an advantage.

Competencies

Professionalism - Demonstrated ability to prosecute complex criminal cases of serious violent crimes, including homicide, pillage of natural resources or sex crimes; knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to prosecutions. Knowledge of interviewing and interrogating techniques, and practical experience in interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects. Ability to lead and cross-examine witnesses and ability to make substantial legal arguments before military tribunals, civilian courts or international tribunals; Planning and Organization - Ability to work efficiently under pressure on difficult assignments within tight deadlines, and possibly in hardship conditions in the field; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills, and ability to establish trust and build professional relationships with national counterparts and colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds; demonstrated ability of incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication - Excellent communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, and ability to explain, demonstrate and teach theories, concepts, approaches and techniques relevant to prosecution of serious crimes. Judgment/Decision-making - Sound judgment in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.



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Languages

Fluency in English or French (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is an advantage and desirable.

Other skills

Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing and other software programmes. Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a 4 x 4, standard transmission vehicle is required.


NOTE:

* The total remuneration package is approximately USD 10,000.00 per month.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to iomrecruitmentdrc@iom.int not later than 31 May 2011.