Trial Chamber Legal Support Officer

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL 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 a Legal Support Officer 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 Trial Chamber Legal Support Officer will carry out the following responsibilities:

• Assist the Judges and Legal Officers in the review, completion and compilation of the French version of the trial judgment in Case 002/02 as well as its harmonization with the corresponding English and Khmer versions;
• Assist Judges and Legal Officers in retrieving relevant documents and information in the Case File and electronic databases;
• Analyze legal documents or submissions in French, identifying important issues and providing advice thereon (oral or written);
• Proof-read and/or correct documents emanating from the Chamber;
• Provide unofficial translation support services from French into English, or vice versa 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.

Results Expected: Provision of accurate support services to the Judges and Legal Officers of the Trial Chamber to facilitate decision-making. Apply all appropriate policies, guidelines, procedures and processes. Interact effectively and harmoniously with colleagues and concerned parties.

COMPETENCIES:

Professionalism: Ability to work under continuous stress; 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced university degree in law, or other relevant field. A bachelor’s degree and two years additional work experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience: Minimum four (4) years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with a court or tribunal, an organisation or body dealing with legal matters.

Language: The official working languages of the ECCC are Khmer, English and French; for this particular post, the incumbent must have French as main language and equivalent command and excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of Khmer would be considered an asset.

Other Requirements: Knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime. Knowledge of Case 002 and knowledge of case analysis software, particularly Case Map and ZyLab would be considered an asset.

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

Technical Evaluation Criteria Obtainable Score
Advanced university degree in law, Or relevant combination of education and experience in lieu of the advanced degree.
30
Demonstrated ability to draft in French and to translate from French to English or vice versa. 15
Minimum four (4) years of relevant professional working experience at either the national or international level, preferably with a court or tribunal, an organisation or body dealing with legal matters. 30
Demonstrated knowledge of the historical background of the Khmer Rouge Regime. 10
Demonstrated knowledge of Case 002 and case analysis software, including Case Map and/or ZyLab. 15
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 Consultancy fees of US$ 4,500 per month is all inclusive. Please note that no allowance, including DSA, other than the monthly consultancy fee will be offered for this position.

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

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.