Judicial Affairs Officer P-3

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. MINUSCA was established to support the Central African Republic in its transition towards peace and stability, focusing on various aspects including the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of civilians. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards its mission of fostering global peace and security.

Job Overview:
The Judicial Affairs Officer P-3 will play a crucial role in supporting the Central African Special Criminal Court and will be responsible for providing both technical and administrative support. This position involves participating in the development and implementation of strategies related to the rule of law, particularly concerning the operationalization and functioning of the Special Criminal Court. The officer will advise national counterparts, provide training, and monitor the court and legal systems. As a recognized expert in areas such as international criminal jurisdictions and court management, the officer will provide policy and operational advice to senior management and assist in programming activities at the national level. The role requires handling complex and sensitive matters related to legal and judicial systems, guiding and supervising junior officers, and ensuring an integrated approach among various components of the mission. The officer will also engage in extensive legal research and analysis, prepare reports, and coordinate programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the work unit's functioning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Judicial Affairs Officer P-3 will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing technical and administrative support to the Central African Special Criminal Court; participating in the development and implementation of mission strategies related to the rule of law; advising national counterparts and providing training; serving as an expert in areas such as court management and legal aid; providing policy and operational advice to senior management; guiding and supervising junior officers; planning and coordinating activities in the assigned area; promoting knowledge management and information sharing; conducting extensive legal research and analysis; preparing reports and legislative reviews; providing technical advice to regional and local commissions; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the Unit's mandate and strategic direction, with knowledge of judicial, prosecutorial, and legal system reform. They should have the ability to identify issues and apply technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct research and evaluate information from various sources, as well as the ability to work under pressure in stressful environments. Professionalism, planning and organizing skills, and teamwork are essential competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in law is required, or a bar qualification. A first-level university degree in law combined with other relevant qualifications and/or two additional years of legal experience in justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience with a master's degree, or seven years with a bachelor's degree, including five years as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal academic, or legal consultant in criminal justice. Additionally, at least two years of experience providing legal advice or technical assistance to a hybrid/internationalized criminal court is required, along with one year of experience in judicial affairs or related areas within a UN field operation or similar organization being desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, and staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.