LEGAL OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Judicial Support and Cooperation Section (JSCS) of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in Geneva. The IIIM assists in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Legal Officer reports to the JSCS P4 Legal Officer-RFA Coordinator.

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer supports the P4 Legal Officer-RFA Coordinator in managing all activities related to Requests for Assistance (RFAs) and evidence sharing. This involves liaising with judicial authorities to ensure timely responses to RFAs and proactive sharing of evidence to support accountability efforts. The role includes participating in evidence collection, reviewing analytical work, conducting legal analysis of information to assess shareability, and organizing the transmission of evidence. The Legal Officer also assists in developing cooperation frameworks and provides legal and policy advice on sharing mechanisms and related matters, contributing to the IIIM's overall strategies for evidence collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include assisting the P4 Legal Officer-RFA Coordinator in managing Requests for Assistance (RFAs) and evidence sharing activities. This involves engaging with judicial authorities to ensure prompt responses and proactive sharing, and identifying and collecting relevant evidence. The role requires reviewing analytical work, conducting legal assessments of information for shareability, and organizing the transmission of evidence. Additionally, the Legal Officer will prepare and negotiate cooperation frameworks with information providers, assist in developing policies and standard operating procedures for RFA treatment and evidence sharing, and liaise with other IIIM sections to facilitate evidence collection and analysis. Providing legal and policy advice and participating in relevant briefings and workshops are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive legal experience, including analysis, research, and writing on core international crimes, is required. Prior experience as a prosecutor, adjudicator, or legal officer with an international court or accountability mechanism, or with national core international crimes cases, is essential. Experience with requests for assistance in a judicial context is also required. Experience drafting/negotiating cooperation agreements is desirable.

Skills

• Professionalism: Legal principles, research, analysis, international criminal law, humanitarian law, legislative interpretation, drafting legal papers, legal judgment. • Communication: Effective speaking and writing, active listening, clarity, tailoring communication. • Planning & Organizing: Goal setting, prioritization, time management, risk assessment, adaptability.

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