International Legal Consultant

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL LEGAL CONSULTANT

GENERAL BACKGROUND:

Under the applicable law, and in accordance with the terms of the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) has jurisdiction to try senior leaders and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom, and international conventions recognized by Cambodia, during the period of the Khmer Rouge regime from 17 April 1975 to 6 January 1979.

While the ECCC is established as a national Court, the Royal Government of Cambodia sought the technical assistance of the United Nations in operating the court. In Resolution A/57/228 and A/57/228B, the General Assembly approved the involvement of the United Nations and endorsed the agreement outlining the arrangements between the two parties. The United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT) was established in 2005 to provide on-going technical, operational and logistical support to the Royal Government of Cambodia in all aspect of the Court's operations.

OBJECTIVES:

This assignment is required in view of the overall goal of delivering the French version of the trial judgement in Case 002/02 during the first quarter of 2019, in accordance with the latest version of the ECCC Completion Plan. The Trial Chamber requires the services of an International Legal Consultant to assist with the preparation of the French version of the judgement and its harmonisation with the Khmer and the English versions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Trial Chamber Judges, the International Legal Consultant will carry out the following responsibilities:

• Assist in the review, completion and compilation of the French version of the Judgment as well as its harmonization with the corresponding English and Khmer versions;
• Provide legal research and advice (oral and in writing) on a diverse range of issues in international, comparative and criminal law and other areas of specialization, using multiple research sources;
• Assist in the preparation of evidence for judgment drafting purposes through Case Map software;
• Monitor adherence to drafting schedules and advise judges on Trial Chamber’s judgement drafting plan;
• Provide legal support to the Trial Chamber Judges in their day-to-day work;
• Contribute to a positive and productive team environment; and
• Perform any other assignments as required.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES AND OUTPUT

The International Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables and outputs:

Deliverables/ Outputs Target Due Dates Payment schedule in percentage Review and Approvals Required
Deliverable 1:
Review of Pending French Translations for Case 002/02 Trial Judgement

Review all pending French translations of the Trial Judgement in Case 002/02 produced by the Interpretation and Translation Unit (ITU), for accuracy and compliance with Trial Chamber quality requirements and standards. Liaise with ITU as necessary. In coordination with the Trial Chamber Judges, legal officers and case manager.
10 February 2019 20%
Trial Chamber Judges
Deliverable 2:
Compilation of French Version of Case 002/02 Trial Judgement
Finalize the French version of the Judgement in Case 002/02. Import all relevant changes as necessary. Ensure correct evidence referencing and language quality standards. Collate all sections of the Judgement into a complete master version, divided in volumes, comprising all relevant annexes. Liaise with ITU as necessary. In coordination with the Trial Chamber Judges, legal officers and case manager. 20 February 2019 30% Trial Chamber Judges
Deliverable 3:
Harmonisation of All Language Versions of Case 002/02 Trial Judgement
Harmonise the French version of the Trial Judgement in Case 002/02 with the respective Khmer and English versions. Liaise with ITU as necessary. In coordination with the Trial Chamber Judges, legal officers and case manager.
28 February 2019 50%
Trial Chamber Judges

COMPETENCIES:

Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of international criminal law, proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system being particularly valuable; 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; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence; 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; and is culturally sensitive and respectful to colleagues and others.

Planning and Organizing: 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in law, preferably with a focus on international, criminal or humanitarian law or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: Minimum six (6) years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings. Prior experience in the Trial Chamber of an international or internationalized court would be an asset.

Language: The official working languages of the ECCC are Khmer, English and French. For this post, fluency in French and in English (both oral and written) is required.

Other Requirements: Knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime and knowledge of Case 002/02. Proficiency in using criminal case analysis software, particularly Case Map, Text Map and ZyLab.

Criteria for evaluation of the level of technical compliance of an applicant:

Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score
Advanced university degree in law, preferably with a focus on international, criminal or humanitarian law or related field 10
Minimum 6 years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis in international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings 20
Demonstrated experience as a law clerk or legal officer in an internationalized tribunal or the judiciary of a national criminal court; 20
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of international criminal proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system 10
Demonstrated knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime and Case 002/02 10
Demonstrated proficiency in using criminal case analysis software, particularly Case Map, Text Map and ZyLab 10
Ability to draft effectively in French 20
Total Obtainable Score 100

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a written test and/or an interview.

Submission of Application

Please address the fully completed and signed application form (P.11) in English, together with a cover letter and copies of relevant supporting documents, by e-mail to unakrt-jobs@un.org. The P.11 Form has to be downloaded from the UNARKT Website.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Preference will be given to equally qualified female candidates. Due to the large volume of applications, we regret not being able to reply to everyone and will only contact the most suitable candidates for the test and/or an interview.

Special Notice

The total amount of USD 11,000 is all-inclusive and includes all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the consultant in completing the assignment. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs and as per the above percentages stated in the “Expected Deliverables and Output”.

This consultancy is subject to approval of budget and availability of funding.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.