Consultant

The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT) provides technical assistance to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) which is a domestic court established in accordance with Cambodian law. The ECCC has jurisdiction to bring to trial senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom that were committed during the period from 17 April 1975 to 6 January 1979. A feature of the proceedings is inclusion of Civil Parties allowing Victims to participate by supporting the prosecution and to seek specific forms of reparation.

The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials is recruiting a Consultant for an initial period of six months; an extension of the consultancy may be possible. The Consultant will assist the Supreme Court Chamber of the ECCC.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in drafting of judgments and other decisions issued in the course of judicial proceedings;
• Provide support on the application of the law, including, in particular, international criminal law and practice, international humanitarian law, human rights law and comparative law, as necessitated by the issues arising before the Supreme Court Chamber;
• Carry out legal research in the above-mentioned areas;
• Keep abreast of the developments in the relevant law and inform Judges and staff on a frequent basis of such developments.

COMPETENCIES:

Successful applicants are expected to have the following competencies:

Professionalism:
• Having in-depth knowledge of international criminal proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system being particularly valuable;
• Having experience in applying legal expertise to analyzing and resolving a diverse range of legal issues and problems; sound judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex legal issues;
• Being conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Being motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Showing persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
• Incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, placing team agenda before private agenda;
• Soliciting input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Willingness to learn from others;
• Supporting and acting in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Sharing credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings;
• Being culturally sensitive and respectful to colleagues and others.

Planning and Organization:
• Developing clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifying priority activities and assignments;
• Adjusting priorities as required;
• Allocating appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• Foreseeing risks and allowing for contingencies when planning;
• Monitoring and adjusting plans and actions as necessary;
• Using time efficiently.

Communication:
• Having excellent drafting skills for legal submissions, court decisions and rules in at least one of the international working language of the Extraordinary Chambers (English or French);
• Having excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in international criminal or humanitarian law or related field. A first level university degree in law with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
Minimum of two years of relevant experience in legal analysis, research and writing. Work experience in international or hybrid criminal tribunals is an asset.

Languages:
The official working languages of the Extraordinary Chambers are Khmer, English and French. For this post, fluency in English and/or French in writing and in speech is essential.

Other Desirable Skills:
Proficiency in computer skills i.e. MS Office package such as Word, Excel, Power Point and in other legal software applications.