Judicial Affairs Officer

UN Atlas; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Atlas seeks a Judicial Affairs Officer to support justice and corrections components in UN peace operations. The role involves analyzing justice issues, maintaining liaison with mission counterparts, and providing operational advice to DPPA and DPO.

The position requires an advanced law degree or an equivalent combination of law degree and experience, with at least five years in a related legal field, including international contexts. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in law required; or first-level degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience.
• Minimum five years as practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal expert, or international rule of law advisor.
• Experience in front office, joint programming, and engagement with Member States; international HQ and peace operation context desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide backstopping support and operational advice to justice components in UN peace operations.
• Review and analyze justice issues; maintain regular contact with mission counterparts.
• Contribute to planning of justice and legal system aspects; prepare field assessments and reports.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners; assist in recruitment and strategic communications.

Skills

Professionalism

Communication

Planning

Organizing

Judicial knowledge

Criminal law

Human rights standards

Post-conflict recovery

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Advanced law degree (Master's)

First-level law degree + 2 years qualifying experience

Job description

Organizational context: This Judicial Affairs Officer position is within the Justice and Corrections Service (JCS) of the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) at UN Headquarters in New York. The role is part of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Shared Structure. The officer reports to the Chief of Justice and Corrections Service.

Job purpose: The Judicial Affairs Officer provides essential support to justice and corrections components within UN peace operations. This involves analyzing justice issues, maintaining communication with mission counterparts, and offering operational support and advice to DPPA and DPO. The role contributes to the planning of justice and legal systems for peace operations, including conducting field assessments and drafting reports. Additionally, the officer supports policy development, coordinates with internal and external partners, and assists in the management and administration of the Service, including work plans, budgets, and project proposals. The position also plays a role in strategic communications and recruitment processes for the Service and field missions.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include providing backstopping support and operational advice to justice and corrections components in UN peace operations, and reviewing/analyzing justice issues. This involves maintaining regular contact with mission counterparts, providing feedback on reports, and supporting the planning of justice and legal system aspects. The role includes participating in or preparing colleagues for field assessments, drafting reports, and contributing to the development of guidance materials and training tools. Furthermore, the Judicial Affairs Officer coordinates with internal and external partners, assists in the administration of the Service (work plans, budgets), develops project proposals, supports events, contributes to strategic communications, and assists in recruitment processes.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law with two additional years of qualifying experience in justice or rule of law assistance may be accepted.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of experience as a practicing lawyer, prosecutor, judge, legal expert, or international rule of law advisor is required. Experience in a front office setting, contributing to joint programming, and supporting engagement with Member States is also necessary. Experience supporting national/international accountability mechanisms for serious crimes is desirable. Specific experience includes one year at an international organization's headquarters and one year in a peace operation context outside the home country.

Skills: Professionalism, communication, planning, and organizing. Demonstrated knowledge of judicial and legal system issues, criminal law, international human rights standards, and post-conflict recovery frameworks. Ability to provide policy recommendations, conduct strategic analysis, and apply technical expertise. Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. Effective time management and ability to set and achieve goals.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French