International Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyer

1. General background

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 judicial institution 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.

UNAKRT is accepting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the role of International Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyer to ensure the effective organization of civil party representation in case 002/02.

2. Dutiles and responsibilities

The role is located in the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers Section, which comprises a Cambodian and a foreign co-lawyer, and which is supported by such other staff as necessary. The Section is autonomous with regard to all substantive (judicial) matters pertaining to civil party representation.

Under the ECCC’s Internal Rules, the core functions of the Lead Co-Lawyers include representing the interests of the consolidated group of civil parties; and ultimate responsibility to the court for the overall advocacy, strategy and in-court presentation of interests of the consolidated group of civil parties

The Internal Rules require the Lead Co-Lawyers to:

a) First and foremost seek the views of civil party lawyers and endeavour to reach consensus;
b) Act jointly to ensure the effective organization of civil party representation during the trial stage and beyond;
c) Coordinate actions by civil party lawyers undertaken by way of support to the Lead Co-Lawyers; and
d) Balance the rights of all parties to proceedings and the need for an expeditious trial within the unique ECCC context, and promote justice and the fair and effective conduct of proceedings.

For non-substantive matters, the incumbent reports to the Office of Administration.

The Addendum to the UN-RGC Agreement vests the Extraordinary Chambers with residual functions which shall commence upon the completion of judicial proceeding. In accordance with article 2(5) of the Addendum, civil party lead co-lawyers shall be remunerated on a pro-rata basis when required to perform such functions, and shall work remotely except when their functions require their attendance in person at the Extraordinary Chambers.

3. 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.

4. Qualifications and requirements

Education: Advanced university degree in law, preferably with specialization in criminal law. A first level university degree in combination with qualifiying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work experience: At least five (5) years of experience in criminal proceedings, ideally in those involving mass victim participation; demonstrated competence in criminal law and procedure at the national and/or international level. Previous ECCC experience is required. Knowledge of, or professional experience within, the civil law system is an asset.

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

Good standing: Must be a current and continuing member in good standing of a recognized association of lawyers in a United Nations Member State, and must obtain in due course registration with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

5. Special notice

Remuneration shall follow submission of a completed time sheet declaring the days/hours worked during the respective month. Fee shall be prorated according to the maximum monthly ceiling.

No allowance, including Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), other than the assignment fee is available for this role. If the judicial process requires presence in Phnom Penh, UNAKRT will provide a ticket (economy class) to the duty station, and a ticket (economy class) to the place of residence upon completion of the assignment for the purpose of repatriation.

6. How to apply

Please submit a completed and signed application form (P.11) in English to unakrt-jobs@un.org.

The P.11 form should be downloaded from the UNAKRT website. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for interview. Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.