Junior Legal 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.

Proceedings in Case 002/02 are now in the appeal stage, before the Supreme Court Chamber. Victims of the crimes charged in that case who have been granted the status of Civil Parties in the proceedings are represented in a consolidated group by the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers. It is anticipated that in late 2020 the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers will submit a brief in response to the KHIEU Samphân Defence’s Appeal Brief, in order to advance the rights and interests of civil parties in the appeal.

UNAKRT is seeking applications from suitably qualified junior lawyers or jurists with English working skills to assist the Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyers in the preparation of their response to the KHIEU Samphân Defence’s Appeal Brief.

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the International Civil Party Lead Co-Lawyer, the Consultant will assist the Section in producing its response to the KHIEU Samphân Defence’s Appeal Brief. The Consultant will undertake legal research and contribute to drafting the Section’s Response, and shall undertake other support tasks as required.

Competencies
Professionalism: Good understanding of the historical and contemporary Cambodian context; Good knowledge of international criminal law, procedures and instruments particularly those related to the ECCC; Strong legal and factual analytical skills; Experience in applying legal expertise to analyse a diverse range of legal issues and problems; Sound judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex legal issues; Strong legal drafting skills, particularly in appellate proceedings and ability to pay attention to details; Ability to work effectively and constructively in teams; 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; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Ability to work under stressful conditions and time constraint; Ability to work in a non-discriminatory manner, with respect for diversity; Ability to keep strict standards of confidentiality and security; Professional integrity.

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a multicultural environment; Works collaboratively with colleagues; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports group decisions; Shares credit, joint responsibility for shortcomings.

Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate risks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (J.D., Masters or equivalent) in law (preferably with specialization in international criminal law, international law, international humanitarian law or human rights law). A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience is required. Prior experience with an international or hybrid criminal tribunal is desirable. Previous experience representing victims would be an asset. Familiarity with victims’ rights, particularly experiencing representing victims, would be an asset. Excellent legal research, analysis and writing skills are required.

Languages: The official working languages of the ECCC are Khmer, English and French. For this post, fluency in written English is required. Proficiency in French and/or Khmer would be an asset.

Other Desirable Skills: Previous experience working at the ECCC would be a significant asset. Other experience working in Cambodia, or a good knowledge of Cambodian history would be an asset. Strong IT skills would also be an asset.

Remuneration
As above.

Submission of Application
Applicants are required to submit a completed and signed application form (P.11) in English, together with a cover letter by email to unakrt-jobs@un.org. Applications must be received by the deadline date as at Cambodia time.

The P.11 Form should be downloaded from the UNAKRT website. Candidates under serious consideration will be shortlisted and may be invited to complete a test. Preference will be given to equally qualified female candidates. Consultancy contracts will be offered subject to judicial needs and only for the required period(s). Due to the large volume of applications, only those candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

SPECIAL NOTICE
The fee of US$3,500 per month is all inclusive. Please note that no allowance, including DSA, other than the monthly consultancy fee will be offered for this position. Remuneration is subject to certified delivery of outputs by the line manager. Th