Registrar

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. The agency's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under challenging circumstances. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The organization is committed to environmental sustainability and aims to be plastic-free, reflecting its dedication to creating a better future for the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Registrar serves as the principal legal officer for the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal, reporting directly to the Judge(s). This position requires a highly skilled legal professional responsible for supervising a legal team, analyzing case files, conducting legal research, and drafting judgments. The Registrar plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Tribunal's Rules of Procedure and developing best practices for the Tribunal's operations. The role also involves managing the human and financial resources of the Registry, preparing periodic reports, and maintaining the Tribunal's case law database. The Registrar is expected to represent the Tribunal in various outreach sessions and maintain an electronic case management system, ensuring the efficient operation of the Tribunal.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Registrar include:

• Serving as the principal legal officer for the Dispute Tribunal and supervising the legal team in analyzing case files, researching case law, and drafting judgments.
• Providing substantive, technical, and administrative support to the Judge(s) in adjudicating cases, including enforcing compliance with the Tribunal's Rules of Procedure.
• Developing best practices for uniformity and clarity in filings and managing logistical aspects of hearings.
• Analyzing emerging issues affecting the Registry and developing strategies to address them.
• Managing the human, financial, and other resources allocated to the Registry, including drafting and managing the yearly budget.
• Advising the Judge(s) on administrative, personnel, and logistical matters related to the Registry's operations.
• Representing the Tribunal in relations within and outside the Agency and conducting outreach sessions on Tribunal procedures.
• Maintaining the Tribunal's electronic case management system and registers, ensuring the publication and dissemination of decisions in required languages.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law from an accredited institution. A first-level university degree along with admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction and an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a strong understanding of administrative law and judicial procedures, as well as the ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on complex issues. Effective negotiation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction and two additional years of relevant experience may be acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of judicial administration and litigation within the context of the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in judicial administration or litigation, preferably in administrative law or related areas. This experience should include in-depth knowledge of judicial procedures, with at least two years in a managerial or supervisory role. Extensive experience in legal research and drafting judicial issuances is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least one continuous year of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Experience with the UN Dispute Tribunal or Appeals Tribunal is desirable, as is substantial experience handling legal matters at the international level.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, and familiarity with French may also be beneficial, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered on a one-year contract with the possibility of further extension. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, Inspira, and late applications will not be accepted. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and is committed to achieving gender parity at all staffing levels. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity in its recruitment process. Candidates must disclose any current involvement in outside activities, and misrepresentation of information can lead to disqualification or termination of appointment. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.