Rule of Law Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Rule of Law Officer
Location: Juba
Country: South Sudan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established in 2011 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The mission's primary objective is to support the establishment of peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in South Sudan, which has faced significant challenges since its independence. UNMISS operates with a mandate that has been renewed through various resolutions, with the latest being Resolution 2677 (2023), which emphasizes the importance of advancing peace, accountability, and governance in the region. The mission employs a significant number of personnel, including 17,000 troops and over 2,100 police officers, and is committed to protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian efforts. UNMISS aims to foster inclusive governance and ensure the protection of human rights in South Sudan, working closely with national institutions and civil society organizations to achieve these goals.

Job Overview:
The Rule of Law Officer position is crucial for supporting the UNMISS Rule of Law Advisory Section (RoLAS) in its efforts to enhance access to justice in South Sudan. The incumbent will provide technical advice and support to key justice institutions, focusing on strengthening accountability and improving the coordination of the justice chain. This role involves mentoring national justice actors, facilitating mobile court deployments, and ensuring that justice delivery is effective and responsive to the needs of the population. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, and police investigators, to enhance their capacity and ensure adherence to international best practices in the justice sector. The position requires a deep understanding of the legal framework in South Sudan and the ability to navigate complex political and social dynamics to promote accountability and justice.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Rule of Law Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical assistance and advice to judges, prosecutors, and police investigators on prosecution methods and techniques throughout the prosecution process.
• Mentoring and advising national justice actors to enhance criminal justice delivery and coordination along the justice chain, including support for the customary justice system.
• Advising the Mission's Rule of Law and Security Institution Section on implementing rule of law strategies at both field and national levels, including the deployment of mobile courts.
• Conducting legal analysis on national laws and providing context-specific interventions on rule of law issues to support mission mandate delivery.
• Conducting capacity-building training for justice chain actors in collaboration with other UNMISS sections, such as human rights and civil affairs.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with government officials and key stakeholders to promote coordination and communication between international and national partners.
• Facilitating strategic coordination with other UNMISS components and external partners to ensure harmonized technical advice and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Rule of Law Officer position must possess a strong legal background, with a focus on international law, human rights, and criminal justice. They should demonstrate a commitment to promoting accountability and justice in conflict-affected settings. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A strong understanding of the South Sudanese legal framework and the challenges faced by the justice sector is essential. Additionally, candidates should exhibit adaptability, professionalism, and a strong sense of accountability in their work.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in law, international relations, or a related field is required for the Rule of Law Officer position. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in law combined with extensive relevant experience may also be considered. Specialized training in human rights law, criminal justice, or peacebuilding will be an advantage.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of law, human rights, or related areas, with a focus on rule of law and justice sector reform. Experience working in conflict or post-conflict settings, particularly in South Sudan or similar contexts, is highly desirable. Proven experience in capacity building, mentoring, and providing technical assistance to justice institutions is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and is classified as a non-family duty station. Candidates should be prepared for austere living conditions, including shared accommodation and limited access to basic services. The role may involve working in challenging environments, and the ability to adapt to difficult conditions is essential. The UNMISS mission offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health care and opportunities for professional development.