Legal Officer (Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice – Firearms)

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 90,970 USD and 117,287 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Implementation Support Section (ISS) of the Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking Branch OCB), Division for Treaty Affairs (DTA) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna. The incumbent will work under the direct guidance and supervision of the Senior Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer / Global Firearms Programme (GFP) Coordinator in ISS, and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section.

Fore more information on UNODC, please visit our website at www.unodc.org.

Responsibilities Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks: •In close consultation with the Senior Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer / Global Firearms Programme Coordinator, plan and coordinate the implementation and delivery of UNODC’s normative and legislative work aimed at promoting and enhanc-ing the implementation of the Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Traf-ficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components, and Ammunition (Firearms Protocol), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. •Perform duties related to the branch’s functions as secretariat of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC Con-vention) and its Protocols; provide substantive services to the Conference and the open-ended working groups established by the Conference, in particular, the Working Group on Firearms; organize, coordinate the preparation and draft documentation and reports for the Conference and its working groups; oversee arrangements for meetings. •Organize, coordinate the preparation and draft reports to the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), General Assembly (GA) and other legislative and technical bodies; participate and contribute to the substantive servicing of the meet-ings of those bodies. •Serve as a recognized expert on issues pertaining to criminal law and international law, in particular criminal justice response to illicit firearms trafficking and its links to trans-national organized crime and terrorism, and independently handle a wide range of mul-ti-discipline, complex, and often sensitive legal matters; perform extensive legal research and analysis; organize and prepare legal studies, reports, and briefs on specific legal and technical issues; coordinate and direct the work of other legal officer(s), expert(s) and consultant(s) dealing with such issues; advise and interact with governments on issues related to legislation. •Organize and prepare a variety of written outputs such as background papers, working papers, legal and analytical reports, briefings, presentations, policy proposals and docu-ments, as well as legal and technical publications, such as manuals, legislative and inves-tigative guides, operating procedures, training materials, curricula and capacity building packages, model legislation, tool kits. Coordinate the development of specialised Issue Papers on the interlinkages between illicit arms trafficking and other crimes e.g. terror-ism, cybercrime, corruption, human trafficking, wildlife etc; •Plan, organize, coordinate and deliver a variety of specialized legal, prosecutorial and judicial training, capacity building and technical services for governments and practi-tioners, e.g. legal advisory services, including legislative drafting assistance and facilita-tion of international judicial cooperation including mutual legal assistance and extradi-tion, expert group meetings, training seminars, etc., in order to assist governments in the ratification and/or implementation of the Firearms Protocol and its parent UNTOC Convention, and related legal instruments on arms control, crime and terrorism preven-tion where applicable; provide substantive backstopping to regional and inter-regional legal advisers, experts and mentors. •Plan, organize and implement activities aimed at promoting and expanding the “Com-munity of Practitioners” established under the Global Firearms Programme, to foster sharing of information, experience and good practices among practitioners in charge of countering firearms trafficking and related organized crime and terrorism criminality, through inter alia regular meetings; development and dissemination of newsletters; spe-cialized tools and publications, in particular a Digest of firearms trafficking cases linked to organized crime and terrorism; collection, analysis and sharing of relevant laws and regulations, policies and cases in this field. •Lead and/or participate in programming, needs assessment and other technical missions, where necessary, to evaluate and elaborate legislative and other legal assistance pro-posals with cooperating governments, international funding institutions, UN agencies and non-governmental and civil society organizations. Develop, organize, and coordi-nate the preparation of draft programme and project ideas and documents for technical assistance in the assigned countries, regions or functional areas, and provide necessary management, coordination and backstopping as well as technical, substantive and ad-ministrative advice and support. •In coordination with the Senior Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer / Global Firearms Programme Coordinator, and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Offic-ers (Technical Assistance Coordination), develop and implement strategies for the GFP, including by identifying areas of potential intervention as well as for inter-agency coop-eration and collaboration with other multilateral institutions and civil society, and sup-port related fundraising efforts. Participate in inter-agency coordination and cooperation activities such as the Inter-Agency Coordination Action on Small Arms Mechanism (CASA), the Global Compact on Terrorism, UN Country teams; follow up on the UNODC decisions, issues and documentation with their officials. •As required, coordinate the work of and guide other professional and support staff members and participate in the recruitment of personnel, by drafting terms of refer-ence/job descriptions, coordinating/conducting panel interviews, evaluating candidates' applications and qualifications, drafting substantive recommendations and reports for submission to competent services or bodies. Support the mainstreaming of the gender component of the Global Firearms Programme activities. •Perform other work related duties as required.

Competencies •Professionalism: Has knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, in-cluding criminal law, both substantive and procedural, especially as relevant to crime pre-vention and criminal justice issues. Has knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the control and prevention of crime, in particular organized crime, firearms trafficking, terrorism and related crimes, its links to peace, development and security, and of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Is able to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Has knowledge of the areas on the prevention and combat of illicit firearms trafficking, transnational organized crime, terror-ism and related forms of crime and related fields, and sound understanding of existing in-ternational legal instruments and their links to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-ment. Is aware of cross-cutting aspects such as human rights, gender, rule of law, peace, security and development. Is committed to the achieving of highest quality outputs, time-liness, conscientiousness, attention to detail and ability to bring matters to closure. Is pro-ficient in legal writing and expression. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demon-strates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and effi-cient 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 incor-porating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. •Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates ap-propriate 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. •Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive part-nerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law (preferably in international or criminal law) is required. Specialization in international aspects of crime and in criminal justice issues is desirable. A first level university degree in law in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience, including three years at the international level, in law, preferably with a focus on criminal justice aspects of countering transnational organized crime, firearms trafficking, terrorism prevention or in international cooperation in criminal matters and closely related fields, is required. Experience in conducting legal analysis, research and writing is required. Experience in providing policy advice, legislative advisory services and legal drafting support in the fields of criminal justice, arms control, organized crime, counter-terrorism or closely related fields is required. Experience in servicing intergovernmental bodies and in preparing policy-oriented substantive documentation is required. Experience as a prosecutor, defense counsel, jurist, magistrate or judge is desirable. Practical experience in the design, development and delivery of capacity building activities and in the development of training tools, materials, manuals or curricula, with a focus on investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking, terrorism or organized crime is desirable. Practical experience in conducting or facilitating criminal investigations including international cooperation in criminal matters related to arms trafficking, organized crime or terrorism cases is desirable. Experience in managing and administering technical assistance projects/programmes, preferably within the UN Common System, is desirable. Working experience in developing countries is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English with excellent drafting skills is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice This is a regular budget post. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 July 2020, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity,with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Vienna is classified as a H and family duty station.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.