Legal Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Judicial Support and Cooperation Section (JSCS) of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM aims to ensure accountability for these crimes and operates under the auspices of the United Nations, focusing on legal support and cooperation with various judicial authorities.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in managing Requests for Assistance (RFAs) and facilitating the sharing of information and evidence to support accountability efforts. This position requires engaging with judicial authorities to ensure timely responses to RFAs, preparing legal analyses, and developing cooperation frameworks with information providers. The incumbent will also be responsible for liaising with various sections of the IIIM to enhance the collection and analysis of evidence relevant to RFAs, providing legal advice, and participating in external engagements with national and international stakeholders. The role demands a strong understanding of international humanitarian law and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining a focus on the principles of justice and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer's duties include assisting the P4 Legal Officer-RFA Coordinator in managing RFAs, engaging with judicial authorities, participating in evidence collection efforts, conducting legal reviews of information related to alleged violations of international law, organizing the transmission of relevant information, preparing cooperation frameworks, developing policies and standard operating procedures, liaising with IIIM sections, providing legal and policy advice, and participating in briefings and workshops. The role also involves performing additional duties as required, ensuring that all actions align with the IIIM's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of legal principles, particularly in international and humanitarian law. They should demonstrate the ability to apply legal concepts effectively, conduct thorough legal research, and analyze complex legal issues. The position requires excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to draft legal documents clearly and concisely. Candidates should also exhibit strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently while working under pressure.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international or criminal law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary legal knowledge and analytical skills required for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research, and writing related to core international crimes, is required. Candidates should have prior experience as a prosecutor, adjudicator, or legal officer with an international court or accountability mechanism, or as a national prosecutor dealing with core international crimes. Experience working on requests for assistance in a judicial context is essential, and familiarity with the Middle East and the Syrian conflict is desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a desirable proficiency in French. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of competency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages, particularly English and Arabic, as they will be essential for effective communication and collaboration in this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The role may involve engagement with distressing material, and candidates must maintain a high standard of integrity and professional ethics. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive environment, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The position may require periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's mobility policies.