Chief of Section, Legal Affairs

Organizational Context

This position is within the Africa Section of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) at the UN Secretariat. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, the Chief of Section plays a key role in managing the section's operations and contributing to the UN's counter-terrorism efforts.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Section provides strategic vision, policy guidance, and procedural advice for the development and implementation of Security Council resolutions related to counter-terrorism. This involves planning and overseeing the section's activities, coordinating efforts with various partners, and conducting assessments of Member States' counter-terrorism measures. The role includes managing the section's work program, supervising staff, and ensuring high-quality output in reports and recommendations. The Chief of Section also contributes to reporting to the Security Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and facilitates technical assistance to Member States. Additionally, the position involves managing programmatic and administrative tasks, preparing work program inputs, and fostering teamwork and staff development.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Section is responsible for providing strategic vision and policy guidance on counter-terrorism efforts, particularly concerning the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. This includes planning, overseeing, and coordinating the section's activities, and analyzing the status of resolution implementation by Member States. The role involves managing the section's work program, conducting substantive reviews of drafts and recommendations, and leading assessment visits to Member States. The Chief of Section supervises the preparation of assessment reports, proposes technical solutions for compliance issues, and manages follow-up activities with Member States and technical assistance providers. Contributions to reporting to the Security Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee are essential, ensuring high-quality, objective outputs. The position also entails preparing work program inputs, managing administrative tasks, supervising staff, and fostering collaboration within and across teams. Representing CTED in relevant forums and liaising with Member States and international organizations are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in law, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecutorial, or international legal cooperation is required. Experience in a management, policy-making, or leadership role is also necessary, along with specific experience in counter-terrorism matters. Experience related to Africa is desirable.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of international counter-terrorism norms and standards. • Expertise in legal analysis, counter-terrorism measures, and negotiation. • Ability to produce and review complex reports. • Understanding of UN policies and procedures. • Strong communication, teamwork, performance management, and decision-making skills.

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