Senior Rule of Law Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), specifically in the Rule of Law Advisory Section. UNMISS was established to support the peace process in South Sudan and to assist in the rebuilding of the country's justice sector institutions. The mission aims to promote accountability for human rights violations and to reform the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security sector. UNMISS operates in a challenging environment, focusing on the rule of law and the protection of civilians. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Rule of Law Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Chief of Service, Rule of Law, in developing mission-wide strategies and policy directions aimed at promoting the rule of law in South Sudan. This position involves advising and guiding mission leadership, national partners, and the international community on legal reforms and the broader rule of law architecture. The officer will also contribute to the training of staff within the Rule of Law Advisory Section and foster teamwork across various organizational boundaries. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges within the justice sector, ensuring effective coordination of rule of law program activities, and preparing analytical reports and technical legal documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Rule of Law Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including: supporting the Chief of Service in developing strategies and policies for promoting the rule of law; assisting in strengthening linkages between police and justice institutions; facilitating coordination of rule of law activities across mission components; preparing analytical reports and legal documents; contributing to the formulation of the team's strategies and work plans; participating in training initiatives; and performing other related duties as assigned. The officer must demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, creativity, trust-building, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law or equivalent qualifications, along with a first-level degree in law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant legal experience in justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted. The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, including roles as a lawyer, prosecutor, judge, or legal consultant, with at least five years of field experience outside the candidate's country of nationality. Experience in transitional justice and rule of law in conflict settings is essential, along with the ability to prepare reports and provide technical advice on justice sector reforms.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree in law, combined with two additional years of relevant legal experience, may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in legal principles and practices, particularly in relation to justice and rule of law.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, including roles such as practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal academic, or legal consultant. Candidates must have at least five years of field experience obtained outside their country of nationality, specifically in providing technical assistance and coordination for the development or reform of justice sector institutions. Experience in transitional justice mechanisms and working in peacekeeping missions is desirable, as is experience in multidisciplinary teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's application but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station. The United Nations encourages qualified women to apply and emphasizes the importance of gender balance in staffing. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.