International Lead Co-Lawyer

Vacancy number: VA/CPLC/2019/06
Office: Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers Section
Title: International Lead Co-Lawyer
Status/Contract Modality: Individual Contractor
Remuneration: US$ 9,450.00 per month
Date Issued: 09 May 2019
Location: Phnom-Penh, Cambodia
Starting Date: 1 July 2019

The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT) provides technical assistance to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) which is a domestic court established in accordance with Cambodian law. The ECCC has jurisdiction to bring to trial senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom that were committed during the period from 17 April 1975 to 6 January 1979. A feature of the proceedings is inclusion of Civil Parties allowing Victims to participate by supporting the prosecution and to seek specific forms of reparation.

The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials is recruiting one International Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyer.

The position of Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyer is located within the Civil Party Lead Co Lawyers’ Section which is established by the Office of Administration. The International Civil Party Co-Lead lawyer reports to the Deputy Director of Administration. The Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers’ Section, which is composed of a national and international Lead Co-Lawyer, with substantive support staff, is autonomous with regard to all substantive matters pertaining to Civil Parties. Under the authority of the ECCC Internal Rules, the core functions of the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers include: (i) representing the interests of the consolidated group of Civil Parties; and (ii) ultimate responsibility to the court for the overall advocacy, strategy and in-court presentation of the interests of the consolidated group of Civil Parties during the trial stage and beyond. The Civil Parties are represented by Civil Party Lawyers who will endeavor to support the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers in delivering their mandate. The incumbent is expected to take up his/her responsibilities on 01 July 2019 and expected to continue for the duration of the appeal in case 002/02.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The National and International Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers have the following joint
responsibilities:

(i) overall advocacy, strategy and in-court presentation of the interests of the Consolidated group of Civil Parties during the trial stage and beyond;
(ii) ensure effective organization of Civil Party representation in all proceedings at trial stage and beyond;
(iii) coordinate activities of the Civil Party Lawyers and ensure streamlined and consolidated representation of Civil Party interests during the trial stage and beyond; and
(iv) head and manage the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers Section.

With regard to these responsibilities, the duties of the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers include, but are not limited to the following:
(i) consult and endeavor to reach consensus with Civil Party Lawyers to coordinate representation of Civil Parties;
(ii) coordinate actions by Civil Party Lawyers;
(iii) prepare briefs, motions, opinions and other legal documentation as required;
(iv) make oral and written submissions; filings and other procedural actions before the ECCC;
(v) examine Civil Parties and witnesses during trial as authorized by the Trial Chamber;
(vi) develop internal procedures to coordinate representation of Civil Parties at trial, in consultation with Civil Party Lawyers; and
(vii) Take all other necessary actions to fulfill their mandate.

Competencies:

Professionalism – Demonstrated planning and organizational skills, works to tight deadlines and able to handle multiple concurrent projects/cases, good understanding of historical and contemporary Cambodian context. In-depth knowledge of criminal law (both substantive and procedural) and experience in complex criminal cases, ideally within the Civil Law system and/or in relation to cases involving mass victim participation. Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly those related to the ECCC, significant experience in applying legal expertise to complex, practical issues requiring innovative and creative solutions, strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents; ability to examine witnesses and to make substantive legal arguments in court. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Demonstrates an ability to serve and be perceived to serve the interests of all Civil Parties with integrity and impartiality.

Teamwork – An effective team leader, able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity. Ability to coordinate the work of others, especially lawyers, and strong negotiating skills. Ability to persuade and reach agreement

Communication – Strong interpersonal and communication skills (spoken, written and presentational), listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; and capacity to communicate with different interest groups.

Technological Awareness – Proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software applications, in particular information databases, internet/intranet services, library sources etc.

Qualifications required:

Education – Advanced university degree in law, with specialization in criminal law (both substantive and procedural). A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree

Work Experience – Minimum of 10 (ten) years working experience in criminal proceedings as a lawyer, judge or prosecutor, or in similar capacity, ideally in those involving mass victim participation; established competence in criminal law and procedure at the national or international level. Knowledge of, or professional experience within, the Civil Law system is an asset.

Languages – Khmer, English and French are the working languages of the ECCC. Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of the other languages is an advantage

Additional requirements – Must be a current and continuous member in good standing of a recognized association of lawyers in a United Nations Member State and shall obtain in due course registration with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia (BAKC).

Special Notice: The International Lead Co-Lawyer will be remunerated monthly following submission of completed time sheets confirming the number of days/hours worked during the respective month (daily fee in the amount of USD 434.50 for each working day, up to a maximum of USD 9,450 per month).

The monthly remuneration is all inclusive. No allowance, including DSA, other than the monthly remuneration will be offered for this position.

Submission of Application:

Please address the fully completed and signed application form (P.11) in English, together with copies of relevant supporting documents by e-mail to: unakrt-jobs@un.org.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

The P.11 Form should be downloaded from the UNARKT Website. Candidates under serious consideration will be called for an interview. Successful candidates will be offered a contract as a consultant. Preference will be given to equally qualified female candidates. Due to the large volume of applications, we regret not being able to reply to everyone and will only contact the most suitable candidates for the test and/or an interview.