Legal Consultant (Two positions)

Deadline for applications: 
Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 23:59
Reference number: 
VA/SCC/2019/09

Contract type:

Duty station: 
Phnom Penh
Duration: 
3 months, renewable (subject to availability of funds)
Recruiting Office: 
Supreme Court Chamber (SCC)
Date issued: 
Tuesday, June 18, 2019

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 ongoing technical, operational and logistical support to the Royal Government of Cambodia in all aspect of the Court's operations.

OBJECTIVES:

This assignment is required to assist the Supreme Court Chamber with appeal proceedings in Case 002/02.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Legal Officer, and the overall supervision of the Judges of the Supreme Court Chamber, the Legal Consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Review and analyse the grounds raised by parties in their appeals against the trial judgment in Case 002/02;
• Conduct extensive legal and evidentiary research into a diverse range of issues in international, comparative, criminal and humanitarian law, and other areas of specialisation using multiple research sources;
• Furnish specialist written and oral advice to the Judges and Senior Legal Officer;
• Assist in the preparation of the appeal judgment in Case 002/02;
• Contribute to a positive and productive team environment; and
• Perform any other assignments as required.

COMPETENCIES:

PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge of international criminal proceedings and instruments, with exposure to the Civil Law system being particularly valuable. Experience in applying legal expertise to analysing 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.

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 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. Is culturally sensitive and respectful to colleagues and others.

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.

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 law in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis on international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings. Experience at an international(ised) tribunal, especially at the appellate level, is desirable.

Language: The official languages of the ECCC are English, French and Khmer. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Khmer and/or French is an asset.

Other Desirable Skills: Knowledge of the historical background of the Democratic Kampuchea period is an asset. Knowledge of criminal case management and analysis software, such as Case Map and ZyLab, would also be considered an asset.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL COMPLIANCE OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR:

Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score
Advanced university degree in law or first-level university degree in law in combination with qualifying experience 10
Academic focus on international, criminal or humanitarian law or related field 10
Proven minimum five years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with an emphasis on international criminal law, humanitarian law and/or judicial proceedings 20
Professional working experience at an international(ised) tribunal at the appellate level 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 Democratic Kampuchea period 10
Demonstrated knowledge of criminal case management and analysis software, such as Case Map and ZyLab 10
Ability to draft effectively and concisely in English 10
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 UNAKRT Website.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Preference will be given to equally qualify 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 Consultancy fees of US$ 6,000 per month is all inclusive. Please note that no allowance, including DSA, other than the monthly consultancy fee will be offered for this position. UNAKRT will provide ticket (economy class) from permanent residence to Phnom Penh, Cambodia and from Phnom Penh to permanent residence upon the completion of assignment, if the individual contractor needs to travel in order to perform his or her assignment

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Remuneration: 
USD 6,000 per month, possible extension subject to availability of funds