Application Deadline: February 27, 2021
Posting Title: Associate Trial Attorney, P2
Job Code Title: Associate Trial Attorney
Department/Office: Office of the IIIM-SYRIA
Duty Station: GENEVA
Job Opening Number: 21-Jurists-IIIM-SYRIA-147819-R-Geneva (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
This position is located within the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM-Syria). Under the supervision of a Legal Officer (P3), the Associate Trial Attorney will assist with the identification of evidence sources, the collection of evidence, the analysis of relevant and reliable evidence, and the preparation of analytical products relating to alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses, in support of the IIIM’s mandate.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Trial Attorney will have the following duties:
1) Contributes to and assists in the provision of legal, policy and investigative advice relating to the preparation of IIIM case files as well as evidence modules and analytical products to support accountability efforts in accordance with the IIIM’s mandate for crimes in relation to the Syrian context;
2) Assesses whether the evidence collected and being integrated into IIIM case files, evidence modules and analytical products satisfies the applicable substantive legal elements, as well as requirements relating to whether the evidence can be relied upon in criminal trials;
3) Conducts research on diverse substantive and procedural legal issues pertaining to international and domestic criminal law, which can include questions of considerable complexity and those related to policy;
4) Participates and assists with investigative activities, including in interviews of witnesses and the identification and collection of open source materials;
5) Assists with the preparation of conferences and workshops involving other members of the IIIM, as well as actors external to the IIIM including governmental officials, civil society actors, members of other UN entities and international organizations relevant to the collection and analysis of information and evidence.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal documents and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignment given. 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal law, international law or humanitarian law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible legal experience, including legal analysis and research is required.
Prior work experience as a lawyer with an international criminal court or tribunal or international criminal investigative mechanism is desirable.
Prior work experience as a lawyer working on domestic criminal law matters in a national jurisdiction is desirable.
Prior legal work experience in relation to the Middle East is desirable.
Prior legal work experience in relation to the Syrian conflict is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The appointment or assignment and renewal are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
For application details, visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=147819&Lang=en-US
