International Humanitarian Law Expert

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Secretariat, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, seeks an International Humanitarian Law Expert to monitor sanctions and investigate violations in Yemen. The role reports to the Security Council Committee and contributes to high‑level, evidence-based analyses.

The expert will prepare recommendations to strengthen sanctions implementation, draft Panel reports, and engage in sharing lessons with Member States.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in military science, political science, international relations, law, journalism, or related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field, including at least three years of field experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sanctions measures and investigate alleged violations of international human rights or humanitarian law in Yemen.
• Contribute to Panel reports to the Security Council and Committee, and prepare periodic briefings.
• Collaborate with other Panel members for coherent analysis and contribute to recommendations for stronger sanctions implementation.
• Draft correspondence and contribute to the Panel's work plan; manage collected information.

Skills

Sanctions regimes

International humanitarian law

Analytical skills

Investigative experience

Independent work

Oral communication

Drafting

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Database software

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database software

Job description

Organizational context: The United Nations Secretariat, specifically the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, seeks an International Humanitarian Law Expert. This role is part of a Panel of Experts established by the Security Council to monitor sanctions related to Yemen. The expert will report to the Security Council Committee and operate under the guidance of the Security Council Affairs Division.

Job purpose: The International Humanitarian Law Expert will contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and the investigation of alleged violations of international human rights or humanitarian law in Yemen, as mandated by Security Council resolutions. This role involves contributing to comprehensive reports for the Security Council and its Committee, preparing recommendations to improve sanctions implementation, and compiling information on sanctions violations. The expert will collaborate with other panel members to ensure integrated analysis and may be involved in outreach activities and capacity-building efforts for Member States. The position is home-based with travel and is for a duration of one year, subject to mandate renewal and funding availability.

Responsibilities: The International Humanitarian Law Expert will monitor sanctions measures and investigate alleged violations of international human rights or humanitarian law in Yemen. Responsibilities include contributing to Panel reports to the Security Council and Committee, and preparing periodic briefings. The expert will collaborate with other Panel members for coherent analysis, and contribute to recommendations for enhancing sanctions implementation based on investigations and outreach. Duties also involve compiling information on sanctions violators, preparing and delivering briefings on the sanctions regime, and assisting in identifying areas for strengthening Member State capacity. The role requires contributing to reports with high standards of evidence and methodology, and providing due process to parties involved in investigations. Additionally, the expert will contribute to the Panel's work plan, participate in investigative missions, draft correspondence, and manage collected information.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in military science, political science, international relations, law, journalism, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Work experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field is required, including at least three years of field experience. Significant field experience in post-conflict or transitional situations is necessary, along with strong field research or investigative experience. Experience in writing high-quality reports and proven interpersonal skills in complex environments are also required.

Skills: Substantive knowledge of sanctions regimes and international humanitarian law; strong analytical and research skills; investigative experience; ability to work independently and under pressure; excellent oral and drafting communication skills; strong interpersonal skills for multicultural environments; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); ability to use database software is desirable.

Required languages:

Desired languages: Arabic