Senior Legal Consultant

Deadline for applications: 
Friday, May 5, 2017 - 23:59
Reference number: 
VA/TC/2017/3

Contract type:

Duty station: 
On remote basis
Contract level: 
Consultant/Individual Contractor (IC)
Duration: 
5 months, renewable (subject to availability of funds)
Recruiting Office: 
Trial Chamber
Date issued: 
Friday, April 21, 2017

GENERAL BACKGROUND:
Under the applicable law, and in accordance with the terms of the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has jurisdiction to try senior leaders and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom, and international conventions recognized by Cambodia, during the period of the Khmer Rouge regime from 17 April 1975 to 6 January 1979.

While the ECCC is established as a national Court, the Royal Government of Cambodia sought the technical assistance of the United Nations in operating the court. In Resolution A/57/228 and A/57/228B, the General Assembly approved the involvement of the United Nations and endorsed the agreement outlining the arrangements between the two parties. The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT) was established in 2005 to provide on-going technical, operational and logistical support to the Royal Government of Cambodia in all aspect of the Court's operations.

OBJECTIVES:
This assignment is required in view of the overall goal of delivering the trial judgement in Case 002/02 during the second quarter of 2018 in accordance with the latest version of the ECCC Completion Plan. In view of this, the Trial Chamber requires the services of an International Senior Legal Consultant to assist it with drafting of the judgement.

SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the direct supervision of the Trial Chamber Judge (designated Project Manager) and the Senior Legal Officer and the overall supervision of the Judges of the Trial Chamber, the Senior Legal Consultant will carry out the following responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research on a diverse range of issues in international, comparative and criminal law and other areas of specialization, using multiple research sources;
• Analyze legal documents or submissions, identifying important issues and providing specialist advice thereon (oral or written);
• Assist in the preparation of the judgement drafts for Case 002/02; and
• Perform any other assignments as required.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES:

Deliverables/Output Target due date Review and Approvals Required
Legal research, analysis and drafting related to preparation of Case 002/02 judgement;
According to deadlines set by Chamber SLO, depending on individual assignment Trial Chamber Judge; Senior Legal Officer

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT REPORTING AND SUPERVISION:
The International Consultant will work as a member of the Trial Chamber. He/She will report to the Trial Chamber Senior Legal Officer as the direct supervisor, as well as a Trial Chamber judge designated as Project Manager for this project.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT:
The assignment will be for an initial duration of 5 months, subject to satisfactory performance, with a possibility of extension depending on the operational needs of the Trial Chamber and relevant budgetary considerations. The assignment shall commence 1 August 2017.

DUTY STATION:
The position will be home based.

COMPETENCIES:

Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of international criminal proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system being particularly valuable; experience in applying legal expertise to analyzing and resolving a diverse range of legal issues and problems; Sound judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex legal issues; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; and is culturally sensitive and respectful to colleagues and others.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with a focus on international, criminal or humanitarian law or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: Minimum seven years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings. Experience as a law clerk or legal officer in an internationalized tribunal or the judiciary of a national criminal court is most desirable.

Language: Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Other Desirable Skills: Knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime and knowledge of Case 002/02. Proficiency in using criminal case analysis software, particularly Case Map, Text Map and ZyLab.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF LEVEL OF TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR:

Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score
Advanced university degree in law, preferably with a focus on international, criminal or humanitarian law or related field; 10
Proved minimum seven years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings; 10
Demonstrated experience as a law clerk or legal officer in an internationalized tribunal or the judiciary of a national criminal court; 10
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of international criminal proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system; 15
Demonstrated knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime and Case 002/02; 20
Demonstrated proficiency in using criminal case analysis software, particularly Case Map, Text Map and ZyLab; 20
Ability to draft effectively and concisely in English 15
Total Obtainable Score 100

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION:
Please address the fully completed and signed application form (P.11) in English, together with a cover letter and copies of relevant supporting documents, by e-mail to unakrt-jobs@un.org. The P.11 Form has to be downloaded from the UNARKT Website.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Preference will be given to equally qualify 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.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Please note that no allowance, including DSA, other than the consultancy fee will be offered for this position.

This post is subject to approved budget for 2017 and availability of funding.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Remuneration: 
USD 6,000