Rule of Law Officer (Temporary)

Rule of Law Officer (Temporary)

UN Departments

August 14, 2026September 28, 2026New YorkUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations, specifically within the Police Division of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The UN was established in 1945 and aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a mission to address global challenges and foster international collaboration. The Police Division focuses on directing police components in peacekeeping operations and enhancing the strategic management of police in these missions.

Job Overview:
The Rule of Law Officer position is crucial for the effective deployment of police in peacekeeping operations. The incumbent will work within the Office of the Police Adviser (OPA) and will be responsible for developing policies and guidelines that facilitate the rapid deployment of police forces during peace operations. This role requires providing strategic advice to the Police Adviser and coordinating information relevant to conflict situations. The officer will also assist in drafting work plans, preparing documents for submission to various UN entities, and participating in working groups focused on rule of law and security sector reform (SSR) issues. The position demands a proactive approach to maintaining situational awareness and fostering partnerships with member states and other organizations involved in policing matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Rule of Law Officer include developing comprehensive policies and procedures for police deployment, supporting the Police Adviser in strategic planning, preparing work plans, and coordinating communication processes within the office. The officer will also be responsible for drafting and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs), preparing briefing materials, and participating in working groups to provide insights on police-related issues. Additionally, the officer will engage in lessons learned activities, maintaining contact with mission-based police components, and collaborating with various UN departments to enhance the effectiveness of police operations in peacekeeping contexts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of contemporary challenges in peace operations, particularly in policing. They should demonstrate strong research, analytical, and evaluative skills, with the ability to draft high-quality policies and guidelines. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Planning and organizational skills are also critical, with an emphasis on setting clear goals and managing priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and law as they pertain to peacekeeping and police operations.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in peacekeeping or peacebuilding is required, with a focus on policy development and field operations. Candidates should have experience drafting high-quality documents, including budgets and planning documents, and should have a minimum of one year of experience at the policy level within the UN or a comparable international organization. Experience in coordinating project development and implementation is desirable, as is familiarity with the operational aspects of peacekeeping missions.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This temporary position is available for three months, with the possibility of extension depending on the needs of the organization and the filling of the post through the staff selection system. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance within its staff and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a clean record regarding international human rights law and other relevant regulations. The position is subject to the UN's policies on mobility and may require staff to move periodically to different duty stations.
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