Legal Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNITAD is the Investigative Team mandated by Security Council resolution 2379 (2017) to support domestic efforts to hold ISIL (Da’esh) accountable their crimes by collecting, preserving, and storing evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by the terrorist group ISIL (Da’esh) in Iraq. Reflecting the global impact and reach of ISIL terrorist activities, as well as its extensive recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters, the Council has also requested the Special Adviser and Head of UNITAD to promote throughout the world, accountability for acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed by ISIL, and work with survivors to ensure their interests in achieving accountability are fully recognized. In further recognition of the global nature of ISIL crimes, the Council underlined that another Member State in whose territory ISIL has committed acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, may request the Investigative Team to collect evidence of such acts, but only with the approval of the Security Council. UNITAD is based in Baghdad, Republic of Iraq. Based on the mandate established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2379 (2017) and the Terms of Reference regarding the activities of the Investigative Team in Iraq, as approved by the Security Council on 13 February 2018, UNITAD engages, inter alia, in the following activities: Collection of a broad range of existing documentary, digital and testimonial evidence, obtained from actors including Iraqi national authorities, other national governments, victims and witness groups, civil society bodies and international and regional organizations; compilation and analysis evidentiary material; and conduct of targeted field-based investigations to obtain physical, digital, forensic, and testimonial evidence.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Financial Investigations or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Legal Officer will:

• Support senior legal officer, analyst and investigators; • Conduct legal research and analysis pertaining to the financial aspects of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide; • Attend interviews of witnesses and victims; • Draft notes to file and records of meetings and interviews held with relevant groups and individuals, including victims and witnesses; • Assist in the identification and collection of information from major crime scenes, including mass graves; • Assist in the compilation, organization and storage of evidence and information obtained by their respective Field Investigation Units, in consultation with the Archive and Records Section and the Information Systems Management Unit of UNITAD; • and any other related duties as required.

• Results/expected outputs:-

• As an active UNITAD team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNITAD and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Furthering the team’s investigation; and o Operating in accordance with standard operating procedures. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Accountability;
• Adaptability and Flexibility;
• Commitment and Motivation;
• Commitment to Continuous Learning;
• Communication, Ethics and Values;
• Integrity, Planning and Organizing;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity;
• Self-Management; -Technological Awareness;
• Working in Teams.

professional work experience at the national and/or international level in criminal law, criminal investigations, or international criminal law, or other relevant programmes; experience with international criminal law or humanitarian law is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Experience working with international tribunals or international accountability mechanisms is desirable; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in international criminal investigations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The UN Volunteer will live in Baghdad, Iraq, which is not a family duty station. The premises of UNITAD are located inside the “International Zone”, which comprises all UN Offices operating out of Baghdad. Stringent security measures are in place throughout the country, and UN Volunteers, as other UN staff, are quite limited in all duty stations in Iraq when it comes to movement. Movement is done inside the “International Zone” in armored vehicles. Iraq is a unique country and provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.