Rule of Law Officer

The Role

The Rule of Law Officer is to lead activities related to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of rule of law programmes, operations and other related activities in the country or region concerned.

Reporting Line

The Rule of Law Officer typically reports to the Chief Rule of Law or a Senior Officer, depending on the mission structure.

Location

These positions are located in the United Nations Field Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Missions, Service Centres and Offices as applicable.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminology, public administration, or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in any field, with a bar qualification or equivalent, in combination with two additional years of relevant legal experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Responsibilities

• Supports efforts to strengthen the justice system and related institutions in the Host country by contributing to the development of policies and strategies aimed at reforming the judiciary, prosecution service, corrections institutions and law enforcement agencies and legal representations or aid in conflict and post-conflict settings.

• Provides advice to senior management on policies and strategies, assists in national or regional-level programming and handles complex and sensitive issues related to governance, justice, national security, and judicial and security reform as well as related institutions.

• Provides innovative technical advice and assistance to various stakeholders within the international community located in the Host country to ensure cohesive and coordinated programme delivery.

• Contributes to the development of the rule of law strategic planning and policymaking framework in the context of the entity’s mandate and assist in the day-to-day coordination of key activities with other components (e.g. human rights, political affairs, policy, gender, child protection, etc.) and UN entities.

• Takes the lead in conducting programme activities in key thematic areas to include advising and mentoring national counterparts, facilitating and organising workshops and consultations, training of national actors and/or monitoring of the court and legal system, including field offices, if required.

• Advises on and prepares complex legal research and analysis and outputs, such as work unit reports and assessments, policy documents and guidelines, briefings, etc.

• Participates in legislative reviews and drafts commentaries and other relevant documents.

• Represents the mission and serves on various standing boards and committees, as required.

• Supports and participates in national level coordination, planning and/or reform processes and donor coordination, to include supporting the completion of major reviews of the justice sector and the development of long-term national strategic plans.

• Directs and manages teams, as required; develops and trains staff under her/his supervision.

• Ensures effective knowledge management and information sharing, including developing a culture of respect for, and inclusion of, local actors in all rule of law initiatives.

• Takes the lead in identifying, establishing and maintaining contacts and partnerships with national and international actors in assigned areas of responsibility in order to achieve work work programme objectives and ensure participation in and effective integration of ideas in the planning and implementation of rule of law activities.

• Performs programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of work unit, including contributing to the preparation of budgets, reporting on performance and results, managing and evaluating staff performance, job interviewing and evaluation of candidates.