Legal Consultant for ISIL Project

Legal Consultant for ISIL Project

United Nations Secretariat

January 27, 2026February 5, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates in various sectors including human rights, humanitarian aid, and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The United Nations has a presence in numerous countries, working on diverse projects aimed at addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Consultant for the ISIL Project involves providing specialized drafting assistance for a critical project focused on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL) system of detention. This project is part of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), which aims to support the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for serious crimes under international law in Syria since March 201
  • The consultant will play a vital role in ensuring that the project meets its objectives, which include data mapping, field investigations, and extensive report drafting. The successful candidate will work closely with the Legal Officer and other team members to produce a final legal-analytical report that adheres to international legal standards and frameworks. This position requires a commitment to accountability and justice for victims of core international crimes in Syria, and the consultant will be expected to engage with sensitive materials and information throughout the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Consultant include:
  • Reviewing extensive documentation from the IIIM’s central repository and synthesizing these materials into factual findings and legal analysis.
  • Ensuring adherence to applicable legal frameworks and international criminal law standards throughout the drafting process.
  • Producing drafts of the final report and implementing feedback from the Legal Officer and other team members.
  • Assisting with the finalization and preparation of a shareable version of the report for dissemination.
  • Engaging with various stakeholders, including potential witnesses and information providers, to gather necessary data for the project.
  • Collaborating with jurisdictional partners to support investigations and prosecutions related to ISIL crimes in Syria.
  • Conducting thorough research and analysis of international criminal cases, particularly those related to the Syrian conflict and ISIL.
  • Maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality while handling sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s or Advanced degree in Law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Law, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of legal experience is required, including at least five years of experience in legal drafting related to international criminal accountability. Proven expertise in drafting complex legal materials and conducting extensive research and analysis in international criminal cases is essential. Familiarity with the Syrian conflict and ISIL-related crimes is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the project.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or Advanced degree in Law. In cases where a candidate holds a first-level university degree in Law, they must also have two additional years of relevant work experience to be considered qualified for the position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international law and the specific legal frameworks applicable to the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of legal experience, with at least five years specifically focused on legal drafting in the context of international criminal accountability. Candidates should have a strong track record of producing complex legal documents and reports, as well as experience in conducting thorough research and analysis related to international criminal cases. Experience with the Syrian conflict and ISIL-related crimes is highly desirable, as it will provide valuable context for the work involved in this project.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a remote working arrangement, requiring one trip to Geneva during the project duration of nine months. The working modality will be discussed with the successful candidate. It is important to note that the fulfillment of responsibilities may involve engagement with distressing material and information. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.
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