Ombudsperson, Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee

Result of Service The Office of the Ombudsperson was established by Security Council resolution 1904 (2009). The mandate of the Office was extended in resolutions 1989 (2011), 2083 (2012), 2161 (2014), 2253 (2015) and 2368 (2017). The Ombudsperson is mandated to receive and review petitions from individuals, groups, undertakings or entities seeking to be removed from the Security Council’s ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List and to make recommendations, based on an analysis of all available information, on whether or not the listing should be maintained. The Ombudsperson must also develop consistent policies, procedures and standards as necessary for the examination of petitions.

The Ombudsperson interacts with petitioners, Member States and relevant organizations in performing the functions of the Office and is expected to work closely with the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and its Chair as well as with the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team.

For more information about the Office of the Ombudsperson, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/ombudsperson.

Work Location New York, USA

Expected duration The position is expected to become available on 18 December 2021 until 17 December 2023, subject to the renewal of the mandate and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities The Ombudsperson will be responsible for the following duties:

• Receive and review petitions for delisting presented by individuals and entities designated by the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee;
• Engage with petitioners, lawyers, Member States and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to obtain relevant information for the analysis of delisting petitions, including through in-person interviews;
• Conduct independent research to find information of relevance to delisting petitions;
• Prepare a detailed Comprehensive Report including a recommendation as to whether or not the designated individual or entity should remain on the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List;
• Present Comprehensive Reports to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee;
• Prepare and present biannual reports to the Security Council on activities and the operation of the Ombudsperson mechanism, including means by which to ensure that fair and clear procedures exist for placing individuals and entities on sanctions lists and for removing them;
• Direct the substantive work of staff supporting the Office of the Ombudsperson;
• Conduct briefings and other outreach activities as necessary;
• Assume other duties as mandated by the Security Council.

More information about the tasks and procedures of the Office of the Ombudsperson is contained in Annex II of Security Council resolution 2368 (2017).

Qualifications/special skills Competencies:

Professionalism: - Experience in the fields of human rights, counter-terrorism and/or sanctions; - Experience in drafting legal opinions, decisions or judgments; - Strong advocacy, diplomatic and political skills, with a track record of succeeding in a complex political and multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders; - Demonstrated ability of dealing with sensitive or confidential information appropriately; - Demonstrated understanding and experience in the application of fair process principles; - A good understanding of the United Nations system and mechanisms, including knowledge of the practices and working methods of the United Nations Security Council and the Office of the Ombudsperson; - Ability to work in dynamic and high-pressure situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; - A high level of personal commitment to the Ombudsperson’s mandate and to the United Nations.

Planning and organizing: - Proven capacity to plan and execute a program of work, and adapts, as required, to fluid priorities and demands. - Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner. Ability to foresee risks and allows for contingencies when planning.

Judgment/Decision-making: - Mature judgment, initiative and resourcefulness; - Gathers relevant information before making a decision and considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; - Checks assumptions against facts and determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; - Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Communication: - Strong communications and drafting skills. - Ability to effectively present complex ideas and report effectively and in a succinct manner. - Proven ability to defend and explain difficult issues to high-level government officials and the diplomatic community.

Qualifications:

An eminent individual of high moral character, impartiality and integrity with high qualifications and experience in relevant fields. These include:

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or other relevant area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: - A minimum of 15 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience as a legal practitioner or judge in international criminal law and/or the international and national legal frameworks for combating terrorism; - Impeccable personal and professional integrity.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is desirable.

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.