Chief of Service, Judicial Affairs

UN Atlas; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

United Nations in New York seeks a Chief of Service to lead the Justice and Corrections Service, directing strategic policy and operations for rule of law in peace operations and non-mission settings.

Requires an advanced law degree, 15+ years in related fields, and 7+ years in management, with English mandatory and French preferred. The role emphasizes gender balance, organizational coherence, and high-quality outputs.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law as required; Master’s or equivalent.
• 15+ years progressive experience in law, international affairs or related rule of law fields.
• At least 3 years of rule of law assistance in post-conflict settings outside applicant’s home country.
• 7 years of management experience leading diverse teams and programs.
• Experience in an international organization's headquarters desirable.
• English required; French desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS).
• Lead work program development, budgeting, reviews, and reporting for intergovernmental bodies.
• Coordinate activities with internal and external partners and mobilize support for justice initiatives.
• Advise leadership on rule of law matters and UN policy implementation.
• Promote gender balance, diversity, and staff development within the Service.
• Represent the Service in senior management discussions and external engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Human rights norms

Report writing

UN policies

Communication skills

Planning & organization

Leadership capabilities

Performance management

Gender mainstreaming

Education

Master's in Law

First-level law degree with 2+ years experience

Job description

Organizational context: The Justice and Corrections Service (JCS) is part of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). This office was recently reorganized through the integration of DPPA’s Peacebuilding Support Office with former OROLSI offices from DPO. PBPSO is headed by an Assistant Secretary-General and reports to two Under Secretaries-General. DPO directs UN peacekeeping operations, while DPPA focuses on conflict prevention, peacemaking, and sustaining peace.

Job purpose: The Chief of Service leads the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS), providing strategic direction and oversight for its work. This role is crucial for operationalizing and implementing the mandate of rule of law, justice, and corrections components within UN peace operations and in non-mission settings. The Chief ensures JCS offers strategic advice and operational support, conducts reviews, and develops guidance materials and best practices for strengthening legal, judicial, and prison systems. The position also involves managing the Service's work program, advancing gender balance and diversity, and coordinating activities with internal and external partners. The Chief actively participates in senior management, contributes to system-wide coherence of UN rule of law activities, and advises leadership on these critical issues.

Responsibilities: The Chief of Service provides strategic direction and oversight for the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS), focusing on rule of law, justice, and corrections components in UN peace operations and non-mission settings. This includes ensuring strategic advice and operational support, conducting reviews, and developing guidance materials and best practices. The role involves formulating and managing the Service's work program, advancing gender balance and diversity, and overseeing activities in coordination with partners. The Chief participates in the Senior Management Team to enhance office effectiveness and coherence. Responsibilities also include contributing to system-wide UN rule of law efforts, advising DPO/DPPA leadership, mobilizing support for justice and corrections engagement, and representing the Service. The Chief leads, supervises, and coordinates the work program, reviews drafts, and oversees the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies. Ensuring high-quality outputs, managing budgets, staff performance, recruitment, and development are also key duties.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law (JD, LLB, or equivalent) is required. A first-level university degree in law with at least two years of relevant experience in justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience: A minimum of fifteen years of progressive experience in law, international affairs, or related rule of law fields is required. This includes at least three years of experience providing rule of law assistance in transitional or post-conflict settings outside the applicant's home country. Seven years of management experience, including managing diverse teams and program planning, is also required. Experience within an international organization's headquarters and significant leadership in post-conflict rule of law programs are desirable.

Skills: Professionalism in rule of law, justice, and corrections; knowledge of international human rights norms; ability to produce and review reports; understanding of UN policies and operations; effective communication (written and verbal); strong planning and organizational skills; leadership capabilities; performance management; and gender mainstreaming.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French