Legal Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Legal Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, established by the Human Rights Council, is tasked with investigating human rights violations in the region. The Commission operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council and aims to promote accountability and justice for victims of violations. The organization is committed to upholding human rights standards and ensuring that those responsible for violations are held accountable. The Commission is composed of experts in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and human rights, and it engages with various stakeholders to gather information and provide recommendations to the Human Rights Council.

Job Overview:
The Legal Officer will play a crucial role in the Commission's efforts to investigate and analyze human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel. This position requires a deep understanding of international law, particularly human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating legal analyses, advising the investigation team on legal standards, and ensuring that all findings are legally sound and consistent with the Commission's mandate. The Legal Officer will also contribute to drafting reports and recommendations aimed at promoting accountability for human rights violations. This role demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: acting as the lead legal officer in coordinating investigations; conducting legal analyses and advising on applicable legal frameworks; drafting investigation plans and recommendations for evidence collection; providing legal qualifications of gathered information; ensuring the legal accuracy of all documents prepared by the Secretariat; identifying trends in human rights violations; drafting and finalizing the Commission's report; conducting information gathering activities; integrating gender perspectives into legal analyses; advising the Coordinator and team on legal findings; and performing other duties as required. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying legal issues and providing sound legal advice to support the Commission's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in international law, particularly in human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in these areas, with at least two years specifically focused on providing legal analysis related to international human rights law. Experience working with international accountability mechanisms, UN fact-finding missions, or commissions of inquiry is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to human rights and possess the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a sensitive political context.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law or a related discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Legal Officer has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the fields of human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. Candidates should have at least two years of experience providing legal analysis on these topics, as well as relevant professional experience working with international accountability mechanisms or UN missions. Experience in the Middle East region is also desirable, as it provides valuable context for the legal issues being addressed by the Commission.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is also necessary, as it is the second working language. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic and/or Hebrew is desirable, as it would enhance the Legal Officer's ability to engage with local stakeholders and understand the legal context of the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until June 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on the mandate and availability of funds. The appointment is subject to the conditions of temporary assignments within the United Nations system. Candidates should be aware that this position may be limited to internal candidates or those who meet specific eligibility criteria. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.