LEGAL OFFICER, P3

This position is located within the Investigation and Analysis Section (IAS) of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM). IAS is responsible for gathering evidence within the context of the IIIM's structural investigation and generating analytical products that can be shared with competent jurisdictions to advance ongoing and/or future investigations and prosecutions. The incumbent will function under the supervision of the Senior Legal Officer (IAS). The incumbent will work within a multi-disciplinary team of legal officers, analysts and investigators, and in this context be responsible for preparing analytical products that can be shared with competent jurisdictions.

Within delegated authority, the Legal Officer may be responsible for the following duties: - Prepares strategic recommendations to advance the development of the IIIM's structural investigation, strategic lines of inquiry, case files, evidence modules and other analytical products with the objective of advancing long-term justice initiatives and/or accountability efforts of national jurisdictions investigating and prosecuting crimes in relation to the Syrian context; - Drafts instructions, manuals and procedures to advance the large-scale review and analysis of evidence relating to serious breaches of international humanitarian law and violations of international criminal law and the responsibility of individuals for such breaches and violations and oversees the work of junior analytical staff, junior lawyers and legal interns conducting these reviews; - Conducts extensive legal research, evidence review and other related analysis, and prepares briefs and other analytical products which form part of the IIIM's case files and evidence modules; - Handles, and conducts research on diverse substantive and procedural legal issues pertaining to international and domestic criminal law as well as complex issues of fact relevant to the IIIM’s structural investigation, its strategic lines of inquiry and analytical blocks. including by overseeing work performed on these matters by junior lawyers, junior analytical staff and legal interns, and identifying and managing relationships with external consultants retained as subject-matter experts by the IIIM; - Participates in investigative activities, including by working in collaboration with IIIM investigative staff to identify and assess potential sources of evidence and ensure the collection and preservation of evidence from these sources, in collaboration with the IIIM’s Information Systems Management Section, and participates in interviews of witnesses and suspects together with IIIM investigative staff; - Participates in IIIM working groups as required and participates in conferences and workshops with other members of the IIIM, as well as actors external to the IIIM, including governmental officials, civil society actors, and members of other UN entities and international organizations; - Delivers legal capacity building to Syrian transitional justice authorities as required.

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply, legal principles, concepts and procedures and terminology for review, examination, and processing of a range of legal documents. Knowledge of various legal research sources, including electronic, and ability to conduct research and analyze information on a wide range of legal issues. Knowledge of the civil law and/or common law legal systems and principles. Ability to interpret and apply legislative instruments, develop and present results, recommendations, and opinions clearly and concisely. Ability to draft legal papers and work under pressure. Ability to apply good legal judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in law, including legal analysis, research and writing relating to core international crimes obtained at the domestic or international level, is required. Prior work experience as a prosecutor with an international court or tribunal, or as a national prosecutor dealing with core international crimes, is desirable. Prior work experience using Relativity to review evidence is desirable. Prior work experience relating to international criminal accountability in the Syrian context is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment and renewal are therefore subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of mandate. 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. 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. Fulfillment of the responsibilities of this position will necessitate engagement with material and/or information that may be distressing. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.