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, focusing on the promotion of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and stability in the country. The mission aims to assist the government in rebuilding justice sector institutions, implementing peace agreements, and promoting accountability for human rights violations. UNMISS operates in a challenging environment, classified as a non-family duty station, and is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for its personnel and the local population.

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 direction for promoting the rule of law in South Sudan. This position involves advising mission leadership and national partners on legal reforms and the broader rule of law architecture. The officer will contribute to the formulation of strategies and policies, facilitate coordination of rule of law activities, and prepare analytical reports and technical legal documents. The role requires active participation in training staff and fostering teamwork across various sections of the mission. The Senior Rule of Law Officer is expected to demonstrate professionalism, creativity, and effective planning and organizing skills to achieve the mission's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Rule of Law Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Supporting the Chief of Service in developing strategies and policy direction for rule of law activities.
• Assisting in strengthening linkages between police and justice institutions.
• Facilitating coordination of rule of law program activities across mission components and with the international community.
• Preparing analytical reports, background papers, and technical legal documents for mission leadership and partners.
• Contributing to the formulation of overall strategies and planning processes.
• Participating in training programs for staff and promoting teamwork.
• Performing other related duties as requested by the Chief of Service.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the UN's role in promoting the rule of law and must demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers. They should be familiar with UN rules, regulations, and policies, and show a commitment to gender balance in staffing. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the capacity to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of relevant legal experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Bar qualification or equivalent legal credentials are also acceptable.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, including roles as a lawyer, prosecutor, judge, or legal consultant, is required. Candidates should have at least five years of field experience outside their country of nationality, focusing on technical assistance and coordination for justice sector development or reform. 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.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions throughout their careers. The United Nations encourages applications from qualified women and emphasizes the importance of diversity in its workforce. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment.