Job Opportunity at IRMCT, Legal Assistant

Posting Title: LEGAL ASSISTANT, FS5

Job Code Title:LEGAL ASSISTANT

Department/Office: International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Duty Station: ARUSHA

Posting Period: 08 January 2021 – 06 February 2021

Job Opening Number: 21-Legal Affairs-RMT-147339-R-Arusha (R)

Staffing Exercise N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the IRMCT, Arusha branch. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Officer in Charge/Senior Legal Officer and/or the Legal Officers.

Appointment of the successful candidate to this position will be subject to budgetary approval.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, organize and administer legal and factual matters at the Arusha branch in relation to core functions of the IRMCT, and, as assigned, ad hoc trial proceedings;
• Conduct research on assigned issues and review and analyze documents to assist ongoing matters;
• Advise on search criteria for data identification and analysis;
• Review and analyze documents to assist ongoing matters;
• Review, verify and process legal instruments, ensuring conformity to relevant guidelines and requirements;
• Handle a variety of complex written and oral inquiries from internal and external parties;
• Draft, edit and conduct final checks of a variety of specialized documentation;
• Ensure the smooth functioning of matters, including liaising and coordinating with a variety of personnel, maintaining filing systems and tracking evidence;
• Manage and execute disclosure obligations;
• Maintain internal databases on matters and generate statistical and other reports;
• Assist in the preparation of responses to requests from national authorities, in consultation with the Legal Officer;
• Liaise with the Evidence Unit with regard to handling of evidence and other materials;
• Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of the genocide in Rwanda and the crimes committed, and the factual and legal basis for prosecuting cases falling within the jurisdiction of the IRMCT. A thorough knowledge of IRMCT policies, procedures and practices. Knowledge of computer applications, particularly word processing software and electronic legal research tools. Knowledge of information management, classification and redaction systems. Ability to show tact and discretion in dealing with confidential matters and materials. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient 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. Demonstrates commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning and Organising – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to use computer technology.

Work Experience

Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience as a paralegal, or in a court related environment, or related administrative/technical experience.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Mechanism. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.

Assessment

There may be a technical test followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

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

• The appointment is limited to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Appointment of the successful candidate to this position will be subject to budgetary approval. Appointment of the successful candidate on this position will be limited to the initial funding of the post. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. As the international tribunals are not integrated in the Secretariat, UN Staff Members serve on assignment or secondment from their parent department/office if selected. Appointments of staff members in the United Nations are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. Staff Members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules and procedures, and may in this context be reassigned by the Secretary-General throughout the Organization based on the changing needs and mandates.

NOTE FOR PREVIOUSLY ROSTERED CANDIDATES

Roster candidates must express their interest and availability for published job openings by submitting an updated PHP and cover letter.

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.

The deadline for submitting the application is 06 February 2021

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