Consultant on Syrian Criminal Law and Procedure

UN Atlas; Genf; Hybrid; CHF 110,000 - 193,000; Part time

Job summary

The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in Geneva seeks a consultant to provide specialized expertise on Syrian criminal law and procedure within transitional justice. You will analyze Syria’s substantive and procedural law, and prepare expert assessments to support investigations and prosecutions.

Requirements include a first-level law degree, specialization in criminal/international/human rights law, five years of relevant experience, fluent Arabic and good English, and

Qualifications

• First-level university degree in law required.
• Specialization in criminal law, international law, human rights law, or international humanitarian law preferred.
• Arabic language knowledge desirable; membership in Syrian Bar desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted legal research on Syrian criminal law and procedure, including legislation and jurisprudence.
• Provide expert assessment of Syrian substantive criminal law, including offences, penalties, and avenues of appeal.
• Assess application of Syrian procedure in various courts and investigate the practical operation of proceedings.

Skills

Syrian criminal law

Legal research

Legal analysis

Arabic language

English language

Expert assessments

Judicial process understanding

Education

First-level law degree

Specialization in criminal/international/human rights law

Arabic law knowledge preferred

Job description

Organizational context: The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is an entity within the UN Secretariat, based in Geneva. This role supports the IIIM's mandate to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes committed in Syria. The consultant will provide specialized expertise on Syrian criminal law and procedure.

Job purpose: The purpose of this consultancy is to obtain specialized expert assistance on Syrian criminal law and procedure, particularly within the context of transitional justice. The consultant will prepare an expert assessment of selected issues identified by the IIIM, analyzing applicable Syrian criminal law, relevant jurisprudence, and their practical interpretation and application. This analysis will support the IIIM's work by providing specialized insights into Syrian domestic criminal law and procedure, crucial for implementing its mandate. The assessment will cover historical developments and contemporary proceedings, considering the relationship between Syrian law and other recognized legal principles within the Syrian system, including Islamic jurisprudence.

Responsibilities: Conduct targeted legal research and analysis on Syrian criminal law and procedure, including legislation, constitutional provisions, decrees, regulations, jurisprudence, and legal commentary, particularly concerning core international crimes. Provide an expert assessment of Syrian substantive criminal law, covering offence classification, criminal responsibility principles, participation, grounds for exclusion, penalties, limitation periods, and other relevant matters. Assess the application of Syrian criminal procedure in specific courts (e.g., Fourth Criminal Court, Military Courts), examining investigation, detention, interrogation, judicial powers, charging, jurisdiction, evidence, witness protection, and victim participation. Examine Syrian jurisprudence and judicial practice to assess the interpretation and application of substantive criminal law and procedural rules, distinguishing between the formal framework and actual practice. Identify principal Syrian legal authorities and sources, including Arabic language materials. Consult with IIIM personnel, present preliminary findings, respond to queries, and revise assessments based on feedback.

Education: A first-level university degree in law or a related field is required. A degree specializing in criminal law, international law, human rights law, or international humanitarian law is preferred. Knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence is desirable. Membership in good standing of the Syrian Bar is also desirable.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in criminal law, criminal procedure, legal practice, judicial or prosecutorial work, or legal research is required. Substantial knowledge of Syrian criminal law and procedure is essential. Experience researching and analyzing Syrian legal sources in Arabic and understanding the practical operation of Syrian criminal proceedings is required. Experience preparing complex legal analyses or expert assessments is necessary.

Skills: Expertise in Syrian criminal law and procedure. Legal research and analysis skills. Ability to analyze Syrian legislation, jurisprudence, and legal commentary. Understanding of practical operation of Syrian criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Experience in preparing expert legal assessments. Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and knowledge of English. Computer literacy in standard office applications.

Required languages:

Desired languages: Arabic